Nagalim.NL News

Sunday, August 24th

“Muivah’s gang target GPRN/NSCN kith and kin again” GPRN/NSCN

“Muivah’s gang target GPRN/NSCN kith and kin again” GPRN/NSCN

In yet another exhibition of their anti reconciliation and anti unification stand, Hebron camp has once again directed their frustration on the kith and kin of the GPRN/NSCN member. The latest victim of the murderers is Nihol Aye, the adopted son of Brig Samson Aye of Naga Army. The Maruti van born killers arrived at his garage at Duncan Bosti and pulled the trigger 4 times, but thrice the gun failed to fire. The fourth pierced his left leg smashing the bone. He is presently admitted to the hospital nursing the shattered bone. Hebron camp has become a notorious institution for sowing divisive seeds in Nagaland. The greatest hope of the Naga People towards political solution is to first see all factions together. Unfortunately, the unification of Nagas is the greatest fear for those at Hebron camp. GPRN/NSCN would like to point out to the Naga people, the relatives of the national workers murdered by killers of Hebron camp in the last 3 weeks.1. The highly decomposed body of Tatar Sadem Ao and his brother Kilensowa, a meter reader in the Power Dept was recovered recently, 4 months after they were abducted by Hebron murders.2. On July 27, 2008, Sandeep Kumar Singh, the president of brickfield owner union and son in law of kilonser Hojei Swu was murdered at his gate by gypsy born killers from Hebron camp.3. On 29 July, GPRN/NSCN official Vetoshe Sumi and his nephew Ghunato, a school student were killed at Signal Bosti, Dimapur4. Qhezheto Sumi, GB of Yeshulto village and Avito Sumi, a civilian of Khehoto village wee shot dead because the supported the unification of all Nagas.5. On 15 August 2008 Vihoshe Aye, cable operator, younger brother of Raju Peyu, Atoshe of Hovishe village under Niuland sub-division was abducted at gunpoint and shot dead later.6. On 21 August PP Zeliang GB, Old Rly Colony was killed by Alto born killers for voicing the need for Naga unification7. 23, Nihol Aye, adopted son of brig Samson Aye, Naga army was shot at and seriously wounded by Maruti van born killers at his garageThese incidents in the last fortnight amply demonstrate that those at Hebron camp have made up their mind to target innocent family members of GPRN/NSCN.The Sumi national workers through the publicity cell would like to particularly caution handful of misguided Sumis at Hebron that their Tangkhul friends can, at any time, go back to Ukhrul, Delhi, Kolkata or Mumbai with their family but Nagas will eternally remain in Nagaland and therefore targeting family members at the behest of Tangkhuls at Hebron camp is serious error of judgement for those Sumi elders worshipping the Tangkhuls. The killing of relatives of National workers will not be tolerated any longer.To call GPRN/NSCN as “Kitovi-Mulatonu-Azheto group is indeed a fine idea to breach tribalism in Nagaland. It naturally turns into a clarion call to Nagas to lay bare the inhuman crimes committed by Tangkhuls in Nagaland. Tribalism is best practiced by those who dare to ban Hohos and excommunicate respected intellectuals like Rev Dr. Tuisem Shishak.It is also for the Naga Hoho and its constituent units, the ENPO, DBs & GBs forum, the NMA, NSF, NPMHR, the PAC, the NBC, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and all peace loving Nagas to minutely examine who is for Naga unity and who is against it. The delegates of unity, peace and reconciliation meeting at Chiangmai, Thailand returned home thrice with hope of Naga unity, only to see bloody campaign reactivated at home by Muivah’s men. The greatest stumbling block towards unity, peace and reconciliation among the Nagas, from the very beginning is the tragic “I am the Nation” philosophy of Th Muivah and his trusted lieutenants from Ukhrul. Muivah’s directive to extinguish all who stands in his way was, is and shall never be the will of the Naga people. For decades they justified assassinations, countless kidnappings, murdering of the innocent Nagas “for working against the nation”. In the name of the nation how many innocent Naga community leaders, intellectuals, bureaucrats, Politicians and students have been killed? Howe long will the Naga people, particularly the Hohos, NGOS and civil societies, the church and the younger generation Nagas subscribe to “till all who oppose” theory breached at Hebron camp? This tyrannical mindset has infected many Nagas and GPRN/NSCN recognize Hebron camp as the source of all social and political divisions in Nagaland.Publicity CellGPRN/NSCNWomen groups reach out morungexpress Lady wife of CM, Kaisa Rio seen here distributng a blanket to an elderly woman at a medical camp conducted by the NVWA at Gariphema on August 24. Kaisa is also the president of NVWA. Gariphema, August 24 (MExN): Term it women empowerment or simply feminine gestures, there is no doubt Naga women have been playing pervasive roles in the development of society. Today, several women groups are instrumental in reaching out various welfare packages especially to rural areas. One such initiative is the effort made by the Nagaland Voluntary Women Association (NVWA). In a benevolent gesture, the Association carried out a free medical camp here today, that evoked deserving response from the villagers. NVWA conducts Medical campThe Association is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation’ said NVWA president, Kaisa Rio, lady wife of Nagaland Chief minister Neiphiu Rio, during a medical camp. “We do voluntary works with the satisfaction of knowing that we are helping people through the blessings that God has given to us,” she said. The Association comprising of wives of various officials like Directors and state legislators, provide voluntary services by taking part in various social activities. A landmark achievement of the association is the establishment of Working Women’s Hostel at secretariat road, Kohima. The hostel houses women of lower income group with a minimal charge. “Through this, we want to come closer to the common people” Kaisa said and informed that the association at present is assisting ten girls from the lower income group.As an NGO, Kiasa informed that they are also involved in raising fund that would contribute to the benefit of people in the rural areas. Also revealing that many members in their association are ‘good cooks’, she said the Association is planning to hold cooking classes where preparation of various Naga dishes, will be imparted, including in-serving and arrangement methods. It also plans to take up measures for fruit preservation and mushroom cultivation. In the just concluded medical camp, around 233 people benefited. Apart from extending free medical treatment, the Association also provided the villagers with free medicines, blankets to village elders, toothpaste and brushes to children, sweets and other basic commodities. While an awareness programme on birth control and TB was conducted.Meanwhile, the Association is planning to hold similar activities across the state.‘NU has lost its objective’ morungexpressDimapur, August 24 (MExN): Expressing concern over the Naga University imbroglio, the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) today lamented that the University has lost its objective and that the students are made to become innocent victims for no fault of theirs. The ANSCU expressed concern that the Nagaland University has almost come to a stand still with the Nagaland University Non-Teaching Staff Association going for a pen-down strike for a week now and the University teachers resigning en-mass. “…It is most regretful that our University has lost its objective and the students are made to become innocent victims for no fault of theirs. This amply depicts that there is something fundamentally wrong in the University system,” the ANCSU President Wati O Jamir and Speaker, Kuzoto Lohe stated in a press release received here today. Asserting that a university stands for the welfare of the students, the release stated that the Nagaland University issue has “become a serious concern” to the ANCSU and the students’ community as a whole. In this regard, the release stated that ‘any internal problem, differences or grievances should be settled internally and should not take its toll on the public’. “If the University authority cannot handle the needs/manage its Kitchen affairs, what more can we expect,” the release stated. Furthermore, stating that the students require a number of documents from the University for higher education and other purposes, the ANCSU urged all concerned ‘to resolve the issue immediately and regain normalcy in the greater interest of the students’. Charter of PeaceFont size: morungexpress 25 August, 2008 09:13:00

The 10-Point “A Covenant of Common Hope” adopted by Naga participants during the latest Naga Peace Summit III at Chiang Mai, Thailand needs to be welcomed. Though not specific and lacking some clarity—yet the importance of the document as a guideline for ensuring peace and mutual understanding cannot be overlooked. And as rightly mentioned by the participants of the Naga Peace Summit III—representing Naga political groups, frontal Hohos, Churches and Civil Societies—this is in response to the general desire of the Naga people for peace and “there is no turning back”. With the summit in Chiang Mai drawing to a close, one is not surprised to hear the pessimism expressed when it comes to peace among the UG groups in particular and the Nagas in general. This tells a lot about the total frustration of people. And they cannot be blamed if they have lost faith in the good sense of our UG leaders. Leaders should take the high ground and consider what is good for the over all interest of the Naga people. As far as the doubts expressed about such peace summits—while past negotiations (and there have been countless number of them) have failed to address the issues—no one will disagree that bringing the UGs in a common platform has not been an easy task. In fact it is a thankless job. Every one from the Naga Hoho, Church, civil societies have burned their fingers while dealing with this issue. It will be only fair to give time to the latest initiative undertaken by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation. It is very easy to criticize. But we must show the courage of conviction and prayerfully support the cause of peace.And given the cynicism and hopelessness that has been expressed due to past failures of such peace initiatives, it is all the more a challenge for the Naga participants and the signatories to this 10-Point Covenant, to doubly ensure that the same is implemented both in letter and spirit. Noteworthy among them include the need to “exercise utmost restraint and shun all forms of confrontation and violence (Point 4) that may result in further divisions among the Nagas” and instead—as rightly mentioned—to “constructively work together (Point 4) in addressing differences and difficulties of the ground realities that stand in the way of Naga reconciliation”. All concerned parties must take immediate steps to end violence and create the conditions for lasting peace. An unconditional ceasefire goes with the spirit of the agreed covenant and therefore the public will expect a positive decision on this front sooner than later. It is also suggested that one of the first things that needs to be done by the concerned national groups/UGs, tribal hohos and civil society organizations is to review on their policy or orders/Azhas that has been detrimental to peace. For instance the quit notice/s, banning of organizations, excommunication order/s, threats etc. must be immediately revoked. Further the information wing of the respective groups must stop all unnecessary acrimony through the media. All this should be seen as a natural corollary to the 10-Point Covenant. Making a public commitment “before God and fellow Nagas” is no ordinary undertaking and would require the highest degree of maturity, restraint and responsibility, which hopefully will be demonstrated in the days to come. In response to the 10-Point Covenant, one comment posted in the internet reminds of the Biblical verse that “Thou shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, Exodus 20.7”. The onus now lies on the signatories and it is hoped that they will consider the 10-Point “A Covenant of Common Hope” as both sacrosanct and inviolable. As for the Forum for Naga Reconciliation—due credit goes to them for taking up the role as peace mediators at a crucial and difficult period. Their unwavering commitment, diligent effort and positive energy to create real, lasting peace among the Nagas must be appreciated. At the same time their task is far from over and would require them to be engaged in the process to its logical conclusion. This will demand meaningful intervention—necessary monitoring/verification mechanism—and appraisal when it comes to implementing the peace roadmap. Without reciprocal compliance on the ground, the peace charter will remain a mere paper exercise, which will become a mockery and an embarrassment for Nagas. At the end, cooperation and collaboration is required so that people at long last come to enjoy the dividends of peace. This golden opportunity should not be missed.

(The above article is purely a personal analysis of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinion of this newspaper)

Rev.. L. Suohie Mhasi should clarify his statement Nagaland PageRev. L. Suohie Mhasi should clarify his statement before the Nagas because such false statement can not be tolerated by the NNC/FGN and the family members of Tatar Venyiyi Rhakho Chakhesang (who was not a signatory of the accord). Rev. Suohie Mhasi stated that “NNC/FGN had sent Federal troops to the border led by one of the signatories and attacked their fellow workers, killed many people and compelled Isak and Muivah to resign from the NNC”. (which appeared in Nagaland dailies on August 21, 2008)In his statement, he challengingly and falsely accused the NNC/FGN for the starting of killing among the Nagas. The NNC/FGN takes his statement as very serious and therefore, he should come to our leaders, give explanation and testify his statement by giving two or three names that were killed by the Federal troops which compelled Isak and Muivah to resign for the NNC. We never find such a lunatic and lying Reverend in the world. Why should he tell lies and adding more fuel into burning fire/fratricidal killings? Killing is not a funny game. Why should he play for more bloodshed among the Nagas? Besü Kape, Asst. Secretary, Federal Govt. of Nagaland The Baptists of Nagaland morungexpressAnd lastly, in Nagaland, where more than 90% of the population embrace Christianity and where majority live in the rural areas, every village has the Church dominating its landscape. An e.g. here is the Baptist Church, Alichen Village, Mkg.(Nicole Titus) Religious life

There has been an attempt to claim that the religion of the Nagas was inherently biblical before the arrival of Christian missionaries. “The Konyak Nagas recognized ‘a deity of highly personal character associated with the sky more than the earth’ who ‘stood above all others.’” “The Naga also had prophets who arose among them from time to time.An author named Phyveyi Dozo, himself a Chakesany Naga, describes one prophet, a woman named Khamhinatulu, believed to have lived in the 1600’s. Dozo claims that Naga culture featured amazingly biblical customs such as the erection of memorial stones at special places, ‘first fruit’ offerings, blood offerings, holy animal offerings, eating unleavened bread, ear boring, keeping sacred fore’ burning continuously, special regard for the number seven, harvest feast, and the blowing of trumpets after harvest!” Although many of these practices of the Nagas seem strikingly similar to the biblical customs of Israel in the Old Testament, a closer like will reveal otherwise.Life in Nagaland before Baptists ArrivedHe (Edwin Winter Clark) was told that an enormous rock, standing vertically and alone and in which dwelt a mighty influential spirit, was up there, and no one must pass that way. Clark kept to the ridge, and to the amazement of his attendants walked back and forth unharmed before the sacred boulder.” This encounter the missionaries had with the “sacred boulder” would indicate that the memorial stones of the Nagas represented something entirely contrary to the memorial stones of God’s people in the Old Testament.There were many religious practices or the Nagas that served as a “dynamic equivalent” or cultural key to prepare the way for the missionaries. “The Ao’s define sin as ‘unclean,’ ‘foul,’ a ‘stain,’ a ‘spot’ and greatly abhor anything they denominate sin. They live in great dread and fear of it, and cleansing of sin is costly in sacrifice and time. Atonement for sin among the Ao’s costs something, and no strong argument is required to convince them of personal sin and the need of salvation.” Among the Ao tribe there was a folklore story about a tree of life. Two boys went fishing and began to boil their catch. They used a leaf from a nearby tree to stop the hole in their bamboo pot. The fish were revived after being put into a boiling pot of water.To find what caused this unusual happening the boys used a different type of leaf as a stopper and boiled the fish. After the fish were boiled the other type of leaf was replaced. When the boiled fish were put back onto the pan they were revived. Soon the tribe of boys began to flourish due to the leaves that heal. Another tribe was angry and killed all of that tribe except one small boy. The boy did not know the secret of the healing and thus the “tree of life” was lost.Religious festivals and celebrations played a major role. Some of the occasions for religious festivals were; change of season, worship to Deity, secure good crops, worship and sacrifice at sowing time, demon worship to avert calamity, worship of mountains, worship the village, worship at the skull tree and others. “These worship rituals are a process of cleansing before god, making things worthy, asking god to bless them again, asking god to take away these intrusions (curses), from the community.” “The Naga animism has had a great influence both on social cohesion and on the development of the individual’s character.”This tribal animism may at first glance appear to say that the early missionaries would have difficulty bringing the message of Christ to a people of this religion. According to Mrs. Clark this was not the case. “Religiously, these hill people south of Assam. Not being grounded in the old systematized religions of the East, and having no caste, are far more ready to accept the simple story of Jesus of Nazareth.”

Social Life The location and climate of Nagaland has played a role in the social life before a Baptist witness. Nagaland is located in the Mountain region on the coast of Burma. The area produces the highest rainfall in the world. “This heavy precipitation upon an extremely fertile soil causes excessive vegetable growth and decay, and induces, as would be expected much malaria fever.” To the Naga before a Baptist witness there was a strong social tie to the family, clan and village. “The Naga social unit was not the tribe but the village. Each village was inhabited by two or more clans, each usually occupying its own area. Each village was responsible for its own economic, social, religious, and political needs.In those days there were no inter-tribal organizations to cope with the needs of the tribe as a whole. Thus in such a society it was necessary to train and teach the young people within the village community itself. In the Naga society two institutions were mainly responsible for indigenous Naga education: the family and the morung”9 The “morung” was a type of dormitory the single males lived in with the primary purpose of defense.One of the most striking social characteristics to the western mind was the practice of headhunting. According to Alva Bowers Nagaland was “the paradise of the head-hunters.”10 “They were dubbed by the Assames, ‘head cutters’.” “Men were dubbed women or cows until they had contributed to the village skull house.” Although the Naga villages were known for their headhunting practices thee was no known case of cannibalism. Some felt that the aspect of “head cutting” among the Nagas has been overemphasized. “The positive remarks wee always left behind or ignored by the missionary and other writers of the nags. They in fact over-emphasized the negative aspects and painted the Nagas as the Head Hunters of northeast, India.” The taking of a head was representative of courage. “To the Nagas there is nothing more glorious than bravery and success in battle, which meant the bringing of an enemy head back to the village.”14 It is because of these savage practices that the British would later encourage missionaries to work among the Nagas in hopes of bringing them under British rule.Song was an important aspect of Naga culture. “Naga people used to communicate through the medium of song. Often in disputes they would even dialogue and fight with songs.” “Singing and dancing were essential qualifications which a Naga boy or girl had to acquire.” The boys were kept busy with sports and dancing to keep alert and fit. To be alert and fit had more than recreational value in the early Naga culture. “The young warriors slept with their battle-axes for pillows and their spears close at hand.” Security was always on the mind of the Naga. They did not want to risk their head being taken by a nearby tribe. Women and children in groups brought wood from the jungles and water from the springs far down the hillsides, never going singly, as the lower springs were favorite lurking places for enemies seeking human heads.” It was not uncommon that weaker villages were ravaged by stronger simply for heads.” “Opium smoking (introduced by the British to weaken the Naga militarily) sapped Naga initiative.”20 Rice beer was also a common staple among the Nagas and its excess would cause drunkenness.To the Ao’s of Nagaland there were important social implications from the “Chunglizmti” which means six stones. The belief is that the six Ao tribes originated from the six stones. “Because a tribe member came from one particular stone this meant that he could not marry in his own tribe. The tribe held that one was brother and sister who came from that stone and for this reason must seek marriage in an outside tribe.” When it was time for a couple to be married it was a time of festival and celebration for the Naga people.The social life of the Nagas before the missionaries was intertwined with the religious life. The religious festivals had a profound impact on both the religious and social areas of life and it is difficult to divide out the effects of the two. As we will see it is just this type of problem that faced the missionary upon arrival in Nagaland.

Baptist Arrive in Nagaland Change in religious lifeThe first American Baptist missionary to arrive went to Assam by the year 1836. Rev. Bronson arrived in Assam but did not reach Nagaland himself. “There was a burden and constant intercession for the Nagas. He wrote a letter to headquarters, ‘O God, pity these perishing tribes and dispose the board of missions to send them help’.” The first Naga Christian was baptized on September 12, 1847. He was named Hubi and died of cholera within a month of his baptism. He was baptized by Godhula Brown in Sibsagor. The second Baptist Christian also baptized by Brown was Longjaglepzueck an Ao. He too died before he could carry the gospel to his people.Bronson’s prayer would not be answered until 33 years later in the form of Edwin W. Clark and his wife. “They sailed from Boston on October 20, 1868 in Bark Pearel via Cape of Good Hope under the Missionary Union as Missionaries and Printers. They arrived in Sibsagar in March 1869 and relieved William Ward who had long need of furlough.” During their stay at Sibsagar the Clarks had opportunity of meeting some Nagas roaming in search of food. Like Bronson the Clarks developed a burden for the Nagas and wrote the Home Mission Board in 1871. “Tribe upon tribe of Nagas are accessible to the Gospel. It is certainly painful for us at Sibsagar to be unable to lift our eyes without seeing these hills and thinking of them who have no knowledge of Christ.” Clark sent an evangelist to penetrate the Naga Hills. The evangelist came down with nine others and they were baptized by Clark on November 11, 1872. Clark was at this time not permitted to enter Nagaland by the British Government and his own mission board was hesitant to approve his plan to enter the Naga Hills December 23, 1872. That very day Clark organized the first Baptist Church of Nagaland.It was an important day in Naga history when the first Baptist Church was formed. It is no wonder Clark knew his calling would henceforth be with the Nagas. “’I believe I have found my life-work,’ exclaimed Mr. Clark, as he entered the old press bungalow on his return from his twelve days’ absence in the wilds of barbarism.” The glorious moment for Clark was not without troubles. The village became divided over the new religion. Some felt that Clark could not be trusted because he had the same white face as the British military. The Nagas were opposed to anything that would promote alliance with the encroaching British power. Clark was determined to dedicate himself to the people and trust the Lord alone for protection. Clark was able to keep his head through the difficult opposition.Clark concentrated on developing a good knowledge the language, their character and medicine. These skills proved helpful in soul winning and opened doors in many homes. Clark also would encourage the Nagas to pray for the sick and the recovery of a sick person would lead to a renunciation of animistic sacrifice.“In 1894 Mulong became the center of missions to further the evangelization of the Naga tribes. Mulong is the first Christian village in Nagaland. Then in a later year Clark moved his mission center to Impur which is presently known as Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang.” In the Ao culture every act of worship was accompanied by a gift. It was not difficult to convince the people to contribute to the Lord’s work.In the schools the Bible was the textbook. The Naga would excel in the area of prayer. “A Naga prayer meeting is a prayer meeting indeed. The Nagas came to pray, and they do what they come for. There are no long, killing pauses. All kneel during prayer and at the end join in a hearty A-men.” In 1905 Clark saw a record one hundred and ninety baptisms. The work was truly blessed of God but Clark saw that better days were yet ahead. “Thirty years ago I took up residence in these Naga hills in a village where some work had been done by a native evangelist. Save at this place, over all these ranges of hills hunt the black pall of heathen, barbaric darkness. Now from some twenty of the fifty or more villages crowning the mountain crests floats the glorious banner of Christ, held by his Naga disciples. The softening twilight of Christianity is here. Soon the broad daylight with its transforming power will reveal a Christianized people.”Chang in Social LifeIn the year 1835 Major Jenkin, Commissioner General of Assam wanted to explore and map out the native hills known as Nagaland. He knew the difficulty involved in this because of their headhunting practices. Assam became part of India under the British Government in 1826. To fulfill his dream of making Nagaland part of India he used the plan of first Christianizing them to pacify their warlike tendencies. The response for missionaries came fro the American Baptists from the invitation of the English Baptists.The Nagas were well aware that to accept Christianity would mean drastic changes in their social life. “Adherents of the old, cruel faith were quick to see that the gospel of peace and love would rapidly empty their skull houses and put to rout most of the old customs handed down from forefathers, for whom they held the greatest reverence. The missionaries presence and his teaching had spread like wildfire from mountain peak to peak and everywhere was fostered the suspicious spirit.” The Nagas saw the important benefits that Christianity would bring including education and economic benefits, sanitation, but not all were willing to extend open arms to the new missionaries. In many ways the Nagas have been compared with the Indians of North America. As the Nagas would value a trophy of a head so the American Indian would value a scalp.There were other practices that would by today’s standards be considered unclean that the first missionaries encountered. The eating of dogs’ flesh and dead animals was problem faced by the early missionaries. The Nagas were also not in the practice of burying their dead.The early missionaries attacked the vices as part of their work. “Every form of demon worship, open or suspected, was attacked—Sunday-breaking, rice beer drinking, licentiousness, and all social vices.” What has caused problems for some is the missionaries’ attack on all social vices. Some have claimed that these early missionaries lacked anthropological insight and understanding of the culture. The missionaries may have confused western culture and tradition with biblical Christianity in some cases. In asking the Naga to reject animism there was a requirement placed on the Christian to give up much of his culture. Even if these early pioneer missionaries did make mistakes discerning between animism and culture much of what took place among the Nagas was positive. Christianity was of major importance as far as integrating the once warring Naga tribes as can be seen from the British military report. “An American Baptist Missionary, The Reverend Clark, has for some years past settled in the Naga village of Molar Kay, south of Amguri, and his labours are apparently bearing fruit in leading to the settlements of blood feuds, and a desire on the part of those villages which have come under his influence to live at peace with their neighbors.”It must be noted that it was Christianity that brought an end to the practice of headhunting. Although the results were dramatic they were not always immediate in the early days of mission efforts. “In short the government did not get the hoped for benefit of tribal pacification that was the primary motive behind the early support of missionary efforts. The missionaries attacked certain cultural practices among the Nagas such as wearing of ornaments and the abolishment of Naga folk music. The arrival of missionaries also meant the arrival of a written language. Thomas Bronson prepared a spelling book and simple catechism. “These were the first books written in any Naga language.”

Life in Nagaland after Baptists Came Clark’s vision for Nagaland came true. We can see the broad daylight of a Christianized people from the growth statistics: It should be noted that during this period (1890-1960), that the number of foreign missionaries was never above ten. “By 1980 the Naga population was 572,742 and the Baptist population was 185,987 according to the Baptist Atlas; Nashville, Tennessee: Broadman Press, 1980.” It is not surprising that today with such a high church membership to discover that the Nagas face a unique set of difficulties as compared with the past. There is an increasing need for leadership. There are one thousand churches and in some of these churches there is no pastor. There is also a problem keeping the young people involved in church.Today Nagaland is known for its church movement. Nagaland is still growing spiritually in reaching out to people who need the message of Jesus Christ. The main denomination of Nagaland today is the American Baptists. There are some other denominations, but they are only the minority. Nagaland is virtually closed to the Muslim faith. “Only Punjab, Orissa and Nagaland did they (Muslims) constitute less than two percent of the population in the 1980’s.”The American Baptist denomination in Nagaland is in some ways different than that in the United States. They are more charismatic orientated, practice laying on of hands of the sick and hold healing services. The evangelical zeal has continued with the Nagas and they hope to send out 10,000 missionaries by the year 2000.

Social LifeRapid westernization has occurred since the coming of the missionaries. The cinema has a big effect on the Naga culture. The young people seek to copy the westernized movie stars. The Nagas were once a people of virtually classless society and now the rich and poor classes have emerged. There are some Naga folklore that are still held on to in today’s Christian community. In the Ao tribes one is not allowed to marry in his or her own tribe. The folklore that one is a brother created from the same stone has still remained within the Ao culture. The Nagaland today is not the same Nagaland of 1836. There may be some negative side effects in the culture from the transformation of a savage people to a Christian state, but there has been a glorious transformation of a people.“If anyone be in Christ he is a new Creation, behold old things have passed away the new has come.” Corinthians 5:17

KSU decries mining haste OUR CORRESPONDENT The TelegraphShillong, Aug. 23: The Khasi Students Union (KSU) today criticised the Centre for its alleged apathy towards the problems in Meghalaya and the rest of the Northeast, a day after Union cabinet secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar and Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar met the NGOs of the state on uranium mining.“We do not understand the hurry on the part of the Centre to start uranium mining. The same seriousness is not shown towards solving the problem of influx, which is affecting all the northeastern states,” KSU leader Samuel Jyrwa told The Telegraph. “For the last 15 years, under the banner of North East Students Organisation (Neso), we have been asking the Centre to to solve the problem of influx, but without any tangible results,” he added.Jyrwa said saving the Northeast from illegal migrants from Bangladesh would be saving India.“I don’t understand the logic behind pursuing the issue of uranium mining by the Centre, while it is turning a blind eye to the problem of influx and other issues affecting the Northeast,” he said.Jyrwa said every terror strike in India had its links with Bangladesh and added that the rise in the number of illegal migrants in the Northeast is a cause of concern as far as the security of the nation is concerned. Of their meeting with central officials yesterday, Jyrwa said they had reiterated their opposition to uranium mining. “We will continue to oppose uranium mining and want the Centre to cancel the project,” he said.“According to the documents and evidence with us, uranium mining will be harmful to the people of the state. We will convince the cabinet secretary and the chairman of atomic energy commission to tell the Centre to abort the uranium project,” Jyrwa said. He also flayed the UCIL for giving a wrong report that an overwhelming majority had favoured uranium mining during the public hearing held on June 12 last year in West Khasi Hills. The media reports of the public hearing had said a majority of the people had opposed uranium mining whereas UCIL was misleading the people, Jyrwa said. State Cabinet endorses SoO agreement with Kuki militants The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 23: The state Cabinet today approved the Suspension of Operations agreement that was signed yesterday with KNO, UPF on one side and the state government and Centre on the other.A Cabinet meeting held under the chair of the state chief minister O Ibobi Singh late today evening also approved a proposal for expansion of the NH-150 from the present width of 100 ft to 125 on both sides.The trilateral agreement which was signed between the KNO including UPF and state government and Centre yesterday was thoroughly discussed by the Cabinet meeting and gave approval to the same for enforcing in the state.Mention may be made that the agreement was signed yesterday at New Delhi after the state Cabinet had given approval on July 25 to the ground rules to be enforced under the SoO which was agreed in several rounds of talks with the KNO, a body comprising of 11 Kuki based militant groups and representatives of the state as well as Central government represented by officials of the ministry of home affairs.A highly reliable source said that there was a slight modification in the ground rules with regard to the maintenance of allowance per month of the cadres of the outfits included in the SoO agreement.The Cabinet in its July 25 meeting approved the provision of Rs. 2000 per month but highly reliable sources said that today’s Cabinet approved the payment of Rs. 4000 per month to the cadres during the transition period while Rs. 3000 per month after the transition period concluded.The expenditure to be made by the state government in the payment of allowance to the cadres would be refunded by the Centre.The source also hinted at commencement of the peace talks at the earliest and the government also discussed initiating talks with other underground groups operating in the state.As per the agreed ground rules, the SoO is initially agreed upon for a period of one year which may extend by mutual agreement thereafter.The enforcement of the ground rules would be the responsibility of the state government with the help and assistance of the Central police organizations, Assam Rifles and army deployed in the state, as per the agreement.Among other agendas discussed by today’s Cabinet meeting expansion of the NH-150 from Keishampat bridge to Churachandpur town was one. The Cabinet approved to expand the highway to make it 125 feet wide from the current 100 ft.It also agreed to take up steps for demarcation of the land and to identify the land to be affected by the expansion.Provision of adequate compensation to the affected land holders was also discussed at the meeting.Other agendas like appointment on contract basis of short staff in various departments was also approved.Appointment of 19 staffs of different category of posts in the state directorate of information and public relations, 11 staffs in the state health department for Centrally sponsored mental health programmes in Chandel and Churchandpur districts, 11 staffs in the MPSC etc. were also approved by the Cabinet.The Cabinet also approved incurring expenditure on the payment of staff salaries of the State Land Use Board from the non-plan instead of its earlier payment from the plan amount so as to avoid irregularities in the payment of the salaries of the employees.

NSCN factions deny killing OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

NSCN factions deny killing OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Kohima, Aug. 22: Both factions of the NSCN have denied their involvement in the killing of gaonbura (headman) P.P. Zeliang on August 20. The NSCN factions have washed their hands of the killing and instead, condemned it. “Any killing among the Nagas is unfortunate as it reflects the deteriorating standards of Naga society,” the information and publicity wing of the NSCN (I-M) said in a statement today. “In the face of this anxious moment, the cold-blooded killing of P.P. Zeliang, gaonbura of Railway Bazaar, has come as a shock. “This is an incident that necessitates strongest condemnation by all who value the deeper meaning of peace and the effort that goes towards building a peaceful atmosphere in the backdrop of our Indo-Naga political talks entering a critical stage,” the statement said. The outfit condemned the killing and expressed its sympathy to the bereaved family members. The NSCN (K), too, termed the killing of Zeliang as “barbaric”. “At this juncture when Nagas are exploring all possible options for reconciliation and unity, killing of any community leader is utterly wrong,” the outfit said. The gaonbura of West Yard Colony was gunned down on Wednesday.

Against the backdrop of prevailing ground realities in Nagaland, the State Police Department has appealed to all members of the Public and NGOs to refrain from any act, which might be construed as provocative, as well all the underground factions to desist from threatening any particular leader or official.The State Police in a press release issued by DIG (Hqr) & PRO, LL Doungel said the police department, civil administration and security forces, being the custodian of law and public order, duly acknowledged that it was their sworn and bounden duty to safeguard the lives and property of all citizens and that the three agencies would not leave the citizens at the mercy of unlawful elements.“The Police Department reassure and affirm that we will in no way abdicate our sworn duty and shall do everything to defend and safeguard all citizens of the State,” the release said.Highlighting on the present ground realities, State Police said all citizens were aware that ceasefire agreement was signed between the NSCNs and Government of India on their own volition and that all signatories had undertaken to respect and abided by the ceasefire ground rules (CFGR).Police also said the provision of the CFGR was very categorical and clear, with the onus of implementation of CFGR thrust on the army, paramilitary forces, police as well as underground factions.It also pointed out that under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, the underground factions would remain in their respective designated camps and not move around in populated areas in uniform and with arms, or resort to threat and intimidation.But contrary to the mutually agreed provisions of the CFGR, Police said the Ground Rules were being violated repeatedly and the lives of citizens, especially innocent civilians, put at risk and public peace disturbed.“Not only that, in course of enforcement of the Cease-Fire agreement by officials of the State, the underground factions have intimidated and threatened the lives of political leaders, officials of the civil administration as well as police officers,” Police said.The State police reminded that such leaders and official functionaries were entrusted by the State to safeguard the lives and property of citizens, and therefore, acting on the legitimate authority of the State and only enforcing what had been mutually agreed upon under the ceasefire agreement.“Therefore, any contentious issues should have been referred to the Monitoring Board/Monitoring Cell, during their periodic meetings, where it should have been sorted out without having to vitiate the atmosphere by issuing threats and intimidations as that will not resolve anything,” State Police added.Urging factions to desist from issuing threats to leaders or officials who were duty bound to act in the best interest of the State, the State Police further appealed the underground factions to honour and abide by the CFGR in “letter and spirit.”

Nagaland Cabinet to discuss ONGC Oil hitch morungexpressDimapur, August 20 (MExN): The Nagaland Cabinet is expected to meet at sooner time to converse on recent matters of urgency pertinent to the oil exploration and production activities in the Champang petroleum oil belt. Observers in the state government have also pointed to the near possibility of oil-related issues – specific to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and its Canadian partner Canoro Resources Private Limited – being broached in the oncoming Second Session of the eleventh Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The second session is scheduled for September 9.The more than a decade-old Champang oil dilemma continues to be a source of attraction for a good number of tuft-and-tussle, controversy, lobbying and politicking over the years, not to mention of the many stakeholders in the entire Champang oil gamut. One of the most recent developments in the already-embattled oil issue is the August 5 notice issued by the “NSCN/GPRN” faction directing the Canadian oil giant to halt all oil-related activities in the Champang oil belt by August 20. Canoro Resources Pvt. Ltd. is the exploration-partner of the ONGC which came into an agreement last year with the latter to serve as the oil-exploration pilot. Parliamentary Secretary for Geology & Mining Yanthungo Patton, informed to have a Cabinet sitting to be scheduled sooner as Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio – said to be out of station – returns. The cabinet has yet to hold any official deliberations on the Champang oil imbroglio, the parliamentary secretary said Tuesday. Nonetheless, considering a number of ‘urgent matters’ that have come to prove a hitch to oil production activities, as well as the recent notice issued by the faction, the Cabinet is expected to have a sitting sooner. The cabinet sitting, according to Patton, is expected by this month. Curiously, the state government maintains to be unaware of the “NSCN/GPRN” notice issued last week. When contacted, Minister for Urban Planning Dr. Shurhozelie said to have been ‘not in touch with current affairs’ since “I was busy with departmental works”. Also, State Commissioner & Secretary for Geology & Mining HK Khulu said to have been met with a number of ‘setbacks’ vis-à-vis oil explorations in Nagaland. He referred to the protracted claims and counter claims between sections of Champang landowners, which last year witnessed a full-fledged Media war. Queried if at all the state government has come into communication with the “NSCN/GPRN”, Commissioner Khulu said there has been no ‘official communication’ as yet. However, meeting with the people and areas in concern are forthcoming.Notwithstanding the reluctance of the Nagaland government to comment on the ‘share’ it would be receiving from oil-related business, Canoro President & CEO Les Kondratoff had last year in an interview mentioned “about 100 million dollars” for the government. An approximate 100-115 million in dollars would be received as royalty for a 2-3 year explorations, a calculation reported in this daily had shown. The stakes are high with too many a stakeholder in the oil exploration and production issue; in connotation to this, CEO Les Kondratoff had actually remarked that “Nagaland is a democracy on steroids”. He was referring to a substantial number of issues that remained imperative to be settled with owners of crude oil-bearing lands in Champang, contentions of the Lotha community’s civil society led by the Lotha Hoho and Lotha Students Union, the state government, the NSCN factions and likened issues such as oil royalty, production transactions and employment concessions. INDEPENDENT IS A DIVINE PROPERTY Imti John MorungSelf reverence, Self knowledge, Self control, Self help leads to Freedom and Independent. Freedom or Independent is one of the most sanctified virtues of God that is given to men on earth for cultivation in different disciplines. God has not given us the priority to earthly possession but he wanted us to depart from the ruined personalities and slavery from the bondage of cruel entanglement of Social evils.Independent is a divine property. It is for men who can be able to think freely. One should not be understood by sectarian religion or in the name of God for fulfillment of freedom through violent actions. Violent is demonic policy. A sensible man or Society would never allow to dominate by evil. Thoughts and actions.The other countries fought for Independent to achieve equality, fraternity, peace and prosperity. No history reflect similarities to our Naga Sovereignty slogan as to what Nagas treat independent so lightly in petty fights living in the so called Indian given designated camps under the artificial "ceasefire agreements" along with so called "Ground rules".Listen! My dear fellow men and women of the Naga soil: India never tempted to use sectarian religion as political weapon for Independent in the name of Shiva or Ram. Martin Luther never tempted "Cross" emblem in Christ's name for Germany or Europe. We could learn a good lesson that the world was not fool to exploit divine name for worldly possessions since God has already given Peace, Love, Freedom and Prosperity from the time of Eden garden to man. Every individual must feel as a guardian of this Universe.It is only us to understand the mysteries of God to lead us by pulling our mental and spiritual inspirations for betterment of human civilization without exploiting fellow men's labours on this great universe. It is very sad consequence and contrast affairs to Naga Freedom Slogan living under India’s mercy and fighting amongst our brothers without humanity is the greatest wastage of men's productivity. Society's corruption in the name of Independent is wrongly guided by the Naga leaders. This is absolutely a self-creation of social evils having ambitious dreams and illusions. How can the true patriots allow to upperhand and dictate the Naga freedom by terrorist activities? Nagas can't bring comprehensive peace and prosperity in such complicated organized business which sabotage Naga cychies by terrorism policy.My dear fellow Nagas, let us be each good patriot. A good patriot is one who is devoted to his country and one who has equipped with wisdom and knowledge bearing unselfish talents to contribute for larger benefited or acts as saviours by his cultivated talents. In India, Mahatma Gandhi has fulfilled the mission of responsibilities being a good patriot.It is very unfortunate to say today, that Nagas misunderstood the real meaning of Independent Freedom. To be a leader, one should be a good patriot. A good patriot do not create corruption nor brings confusions or conspiracies. Patriot should be good thinker and capable of doing humanitarian understanding and denounce violent actions. One should not be ill-minded or frustrated to lead a society, since out of weakness or frustrations nothing can be achieved or contributed to the society. Naga leaders supersede the intellectual and social one and they know only money and power, otherwise Nagas would have never been fallen into such a shattered conditions.Now, the only option for a radiant Nagaland lies with the fresh youths of Nagaland: whom do you wait for bringing the de-shaped Nagaland into proper shape of Nagaland? Whom do you wait for transformation of our society today?Youth should cultivate humbleness and hard working which is one of the highest virtues of Christ that you have to bear, otherwise you cannot achieve anything in life and also you can't be able to see the world and will never achieve our aspiration.Every youth must get on by the use and management of the mental faculties which God has given to all mankind. Non-spiritual and non-intellectual youths will always take wrong direction and lead lives with wrong notions which is greatly violence and unproductive for humanity. "To go back is going back to hell; To stand here is death; To go ahead is danger". But remember; when a heart and life is pure there is an invincibility and increase of unfailing faith for reaching the goal. We can shatter the dangers that are lying ahead through the power of oneness, dedication, devotion and whole-hearted determination.Youth, indeed is tremendously productive, mentally and physically, and by proper guidance, he or she can perform miracle for the upliftment of a people of a nation. Our elders could make our land a land of Promises, Corruption, Killings, Collections. They have even made / churches into commercial institutions in our God-chosen land today.But in spite of these failures of our elders, let us uphold the tasks of reformation/ transformation as a responsible youth. Let us cultivate both the Spiritual and intellectual talents for bringing the fulfillment of the Promises and challenges of our elders.Wb. Imti John, Director,Youth Life Moulding CentrePresident, (Dimapur District)All India Gandhian Workers SocietyNagaland Branch.

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/20 August) -- All conflicts and peace processes are different. But in a frame of globalization they do not escape from mirroring themselves with other experiences around the world. Militant groups from both sides of the divide in Northern Ireland learned a lot from the negotiations in South Africa. Then, again, Northern Ireland became a source of inspiration for other peace processes like the one in the Basque Country (Spain). Not surprisingly, the current draft Memorandum of Agreement between the GRP and the MILF also draws from different cases. Actually, about half of the current armed conflicts are related to struggles for independence. Outcomes have been mixed. Timor Leste and Kosovo have gained complete independence. The breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia achieved a de facto independence from Georgia, mainly thanks to the support of Russia. On the other hand, rebels in Chechnya or the fighters for a Sikh homeland in India were defeated, and the nonviolent freedom-struggle in Tibet has been crushed by the Chinese State. But in a frame of peace negotiations the most common outcome is some kind of autonomy. To be sure, there is not a single formula for how to shape an autonomous region. Wales has a low degree of autonomy but can nevertheless play in international sports competitions. On the other hand, the Ethiopian constitution grants the right to independence to the different states that compose its federation, but central government is nevertheless mercilessly combating secessionists in the state of Oromia. The control over natural resources has become a key factor in conflicts. Thus, agreements tend to specify how revenues may be shared, like the case of Aceh. In terms of international representation, although Spain is not a federal country, Catalonia has recently been granted the right to open “embassies” and to participate in international fora and institutions. I would like to draw attention upon one specific case with astonishing similarities to Mindanao, but very little known internationally: Nagaland, in the crossroads between northeastern India and southeastern Asia. Nagas were never under formal control of any colonial power and have thus always opposed their inclusion in India. The Indian State has approached the conflict with different strategies over time. It has tried all-out war after violence erupted in 1956, it has conducted several rounds of peace talks, and it has poured in millions to foster economic development and apace political discontent. In 1963 India created a Naga state with a big deal of self-government, granting the prevalence of customary law. As a consequence, some armed factions lay down arms and entered mainstream politics; but others continued their armed struggle, claiming a greater Naga homeland extending over adjacent states and even into neighboring Burma. Encompassing some 60 different tribes, factionalism and feuding among different rebel factions are frequent. After more than 50 years of fighting even the Indian armed forces admit that the best solution is a peace agreement. The main parties have respected a ceasefire for the last ten years, and peace talks are conducted in secrecy. Despite the asymmetric relations between the huge Indian state and the tiny Naga rebels, India has granted rebels a political status that allows for discussion under quasi egalitarian conditions. Similarities between Mindanao and Nagaland are striking. There is nevertheless one major difference: the rebels are not Muslims, but Christians. As in Mindanao, it is not a religious conflict. But again as in Mindanao, religion nevertheless does play an important role. Actually, to overcome cultural prejudices and to widen narrow mindsets often becomes the major challenge in settling identity-based conflicts. [MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. PeaceTalk is open to anyone who wants to share his/her thought on peace in Mindanao.KristianHerbolzheimer of Sweden has been working for seven years as Deputy Director for the Program on Peace Processes at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain (www.escolapau.org). He is currently based in Davao City, working as a volunteer research fellow for the Inititatives for International Development]. Sequence of events as in Know Rev. L Suohei Mhasi 1. The Naga National Council was the Naga political Institution through which the divided Naga had been awaken and brought together in the same stream of National Movement. So it will be very ungrateful on the part of every Naga if the role played by the NNC for the Nagas is unaware of. NNC had formed the Federal Government of Nagaland in 1956 and the Nagas were in solidarity under the umbrella of FGN since 1964. There was the first Naga political talk with the Government of India beginning from 1964 and after a series of talk it came to a fiasco.2. When the talk had failed and the ceasefire was unilaterally abrogated by the GOI, Security Forces were deployed in Nagaland for combing operation under the pretext of being in aid of Civil Administration of the State Government. It resulted in untold cruel treatment meted out to the people. Villages were grouped together which caused unspeakable losses of lives, sufferings and miseries to the villagers. Curfews were imposed in the villages and towns very now and then, underground men were almost uprooted, Jails in Nagaland were overflowed with prisoners and prisoners were sent to Assam, Meghalaya and West Bengal. Killing, beating, kicking, electric shock, beating by hanging upside down and raping and the like were perpetuated on the people. God protected me when cruel fingers were dashed against my kidney by a boy. If the experiences are to be written, a big volume of book can be written. Why I said these? I need to say these to make the youngsters aware of the consequences of the failure of the last talk. 3. Repose of life was sought by the Church and through the Peace Council the so called Shillong Accord was signed between the Government of India and the Representatives of NNC/FGN. But they cannot be blamed because they could not withstand the odd Indian Army through the Constitution on India was accepted in the accord.4. The Naga National Council and the Federal Government of Nagaland had been betrayed by some Satanic brained ones from among the workers. Had the leaders of NNC and FGN been in the right mindset they would have regretted for the inescapable humiliation they came across when the accord was signed and they should have encouraged the fellow workers who were in the remote Eastern region and treated them as survivors of Shillong Accord who can be instrumental in doing any thing good for the Naga people in such a situation. But NNC/FGN had sent Federal troops to the border led by one of the signatories and attacked their fellow workers, killed many people and compelled Isak and Muivah to resign from NNC. This was said to be the cause of formation of a new organisation known as National Socialist Council of Nagaland.5. The NSCN was formed in 1980 but was split into NSCN (I-M) and NSCN (K) in 1988. Both of them had ceasefire agreement with the Government of India and the two Socialist Groups have earned the terminology “Fratricidal War” in Nagaland. NSCN (I-M) have high intellectual and capable leaders and their cadres are better trained and more disciplined. Their practices were borrowed practices from the East because some of their leaders were not hesitant to say, “We are constructing the Naga National road; any thing that obstructs the road will be removed.” A political talk between the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) has been going on for a decade. It is being led by a faction but the cause is the Nada National cause. So every Naga should see that the talk is supported to be successful because the fallout of the failure will be repetition of the past history. 6. If sovereignty is out of question to the statement of the GoI, any sort of settlement should be made with the blessing of the Naga masses which will pave the way for a peaceful settlement whatsoever it may be. Unity after settlement means unity by means of force which will be repetition of the past history as stated above. By all means any thing which will reflect shadow on the people should be avoided. 7. Integration is in the process only. So we should remember that love is the only force of cohesion but let alone killing, even harsh words is the force of separation. 8. Peace is no problem if Christ is accepted to rule the heart. So the way of peace is turning to Christ. For a long time many of the people have turned to the devil but now turn to Christ and create a peaceful Chapter of Life.

There is no question of lowering the height of some ones; humiliating, ignoring and isolating some ones but to recognize the personality of all and the genuine services of all irrespective of organisation and of past and present standing of every one of the people. Let the old things be gone and a new chapter be created in the name of Christ so that some Nagas are no longer being underground from other Nagas but all live and work together happily.The way Christ and that of mankind are quit upside down. “Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted,” (Matt. 23:12) Mankind exalts himself to be exalted but Christ exalts those who humble themselves but those who exalt themselves are abased. So humble yourself to be exalted by Christ. Deter from the path of blood shed. There is nothing higher, greater and stronger than humbleness before God and before one another. We want to see that all of the Nagas love one another as brothers and sisters and as true witness of Christ. For the sake of Christ’s name these have been said. For the sake of Christ we speak, we give, we write and we expect everybody to respond to the call for peace for the sake of Christ. Rev. L Suohei Mhasi Kohima Vision of a ‘political and developmental Missionary’ morungexpressDimapur, August 19 (MExN): “When I decided to join politics, I dreamt of becoming a political and developmental missionary. I wanted to eradicate poverty, corruption and disunity from our society. Discipleship Bible College observes 27th Foundation Day I also wanted to end clanism and tribalism and pave way for growth and development. And now, I request each one of you to pray for me to realise that dream,” C L John, Chairman Marcofed and DPDB Mon, stated while addressing the students of Discipleship Bible College on its 27th Foundation Day celebration held today. He expressed disagreement with the saying that ‘politics and religion should not be blended’ and said, “It is the Church that educates people spiritually and development can take place in a society with good hearts.” The Chairman also stated that in fulfilment of his commitment “to be a political and developmental missionary,” he has “already proposed to build a community rest house for all the churches of every village in his constituency.”Students of Discipleship Bible College display traditional wear in a cultural show during their college’s 27th Foundation Day celebrations. (Left) A couple displaying the Yimchunger finery; (Right) Students show off ethnicwear worn by the Changs. (Morung Photos)While citing his own example, he encouraged the students to study hard and make themselves ready as not all of them would end up in church ministry. Lastly, he exhorted the students to do whatever they were being taught to do in the College and be good disciples. “If you want to be His disciple, you have to take up your cross and follow Him,” he added.Rev Dr. Nuklu Longkumer, Principal DPC, in his speech highlighted that more than 700 students have graduated from the college who are mostly serving in the cross-cultural and far-flung areas. He also observed that the 27th College Foundation Day programme was one of the best for the DPC family. Er. Opang Longchari, DPC Board Chairman, thanked C L John for gracing the occasion as the chief guest, Rev Dr. Nuklu for his able leadership, the college faculty for their cooperation, and the students community for their “effort in making the occasion meaningful.”Other highlights of the programme included ethnic cultural display of all tribes from Eastern Nagaland, a legend depicting true love presented by the students from the Ao community, while the Tenyimi and Sumi community presented folk songs and a special number by the College choir. The programme was attended by church elders and members of the IEF. The chief guest contributed Rs.50,000 towards the college development and Rs.1000 each to all the participating groups.DPC offers degrees in Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology. It is one of the oldest theological colleges in Nagaland and is recognised by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, approved by the Higher Education and affiliated to the Asian Theological Association (ATA).

Bodo Sabha appeals for peace, harmony CORRESPONDENT Assam Tribune KOKRAJHAR, Aug 22 – Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS), the premier socio-literary national organisation of the Bodos, has condemned the recent attack and violence in BTAD area in the name of detection of Bangladeshis, more particularly in Udalguri district of BTAD.

Talking to mediapersons here on Monday, Dr. Kameswar Brahma, president and KK Mushahary, seceretary of BSS expressed deep concern over reckless harassment of Muslims of Indian origin in the name of detection of illegal migrants.

The duo expressed shock over violence in various places of BTAD area compelling many people from Bodo and Muslim communities to take shelter in several relief camps.

The BSS also made it clear that the incidents that started at Rowta on August 14 injuring some people during a bandh call followed by killing of a Muslim couple in Chirang district on August 16 was followed by setting ablaze around 40 houses of minorities and injuring around 6 people are all directed to create communal violence in BTAD, which are actually acts of miscreants for vested interest, they mentioned.

The BSS also appealed to the Government and civil society to join hands for maintaining peace in the BTAD area adding that the CWC of BSS had decided to send a delegation to the affected areas.Hagrama meets victims of suspected NDFB militantsFrom our CorrespondentGOSSAIGAON, Aug 22: Hagrama Mohilary, the chief of the Bodoland Territorial Council, Kokrajhar visited the victims’ families of No 2 Matiapara village under Gossaigaon police station yesterday, following an incident in which one Abdus Samad (25) sustained two bullet injuries and the other Kulchum Bewa (50) who was stabbed down seriously by a group of suspected NDFB militants on August 20. The chief of the BTC visited the victims’ families and took stock of the situation.In his visit, Mohilary held a meeting with the intellectuals and people of the surrounding villages. He urged upon all to maintain peace and harmony among them and co-operate with the administration in restoring the peace. Condemning the attack, Mohilary declared ex-gracia for the victims. The BTC chief alleging both Rabiram Narzary and UG Brahma said that the ongoing killings were designed by them and which was being implemented through NDFB. The BTC chief also advised the people to form peace committee with members from cross section to maintain peace and tranquility.Meanwhile, the Kokrajhar District Committee of All Minority Students’ Union submitted a memorandum to the BTC Chief demanding the immediate identification of the culprits involved in the incident; deployment of adequate security personnel in the vulnerable areas; sanctioning of an amount of Rs 3 lakh as ex-gratia to the victims...Truce with Kuki groups SoO signed, enforced Our Staff Reporter Sangai ExpressIMPHAL, Aug 22 : After a series of turns and negotiations and brain storming sessions, the ground rules for the Suspension of Operations between the Government and Kuki armed groups, represented by the KNO and UPF were signed today.While the KNO represents 11 groups, the UPF represents eight outfits. From the side of the Centre, Joint Secretary in the Union Home Ministry in charge of North East, Navin Verma appended his signature to the agreement while the State Government was represented by Principal Secretary (Home) DS Poonia. Eight members each from the KNO and the UPF also signed the agreement.The signatories from the side of the KNO are its vice president Lanminthang Vaiphei, defence secretary TS Haokip, cabinet member TS German Kuki and another member Joshua Kuki while the signatories from the UPF include its general secretary ST Thangboi Kipgen, members Calvin H, TL Jacob Thadou and David Hangshing.Talking to The Sangai Express an official source said that the Director in the Home Ministry AK Goyal and State IGP (Intelligence) LM Khaute were also present at the meeting today. With the signing of the ground rules, the SoO has come into force, said the source and added that it will be for one year. The agreement can be extended if there is mutual agreement and understanding, added the source. The UPF had initially expressed its reservations over some points contained in the ground rules of the SoO, said the source and added that they eventually relented and signed the agreement after their doubts were clarified during the meeting. Though no time frame has been set on when to start the peace talk, a Joint Monitoring Group headed by the State Principal Secretary (Home) DS Poonia has been formed. One representative each from the KNO and UPF are also in the Monitoring Group. Another meeting will be held to fix the date and place for the peace talk to start, informed the source further. Some of the significant points of the ground rules include, issuing Identity cards to all the cadres of the two groups by the Government, payment of Rs 2000 to each cadre monthly for maintenance as well as identifying and building the designated camps. The cadres will not be allowed to move out of the designated camps with arms and all designated camps will be located a good distance from the National Highways as well as international boundaries.The outfits have been told to strictly adhere to the ground rules laid down.When the talk starts it will be under the ambit of the Constitution of India, said the source and added that the territorial integrity of the State would not be compromised on account of the peace process. In case cadres want to move out from their designated camps, then prior information should be given either to the State or Central forces for security.Human rights under Indian Constitution and AFSPA in NE By Jagat Konthoujam Sangai ExpressThus, the illegal acts committed by the armed forces and State police indeed, produce a psychological effect in the development of thought process, particularly to the young people to take revenge against the security forces for killing, torturing, illegal detentions, raping, molestation, disappearances and extortions of their brothers, sisters, parents and relatives. It is therefore, not the proper theory to solve the insurgency problems in the North-East Region because it is a political problem, it does require political solution. The imposition of these particular draconian laws was against the wishes of the common people of the North-east region. Since the day till today, the violation of human rights is going on as a daily routine and becomes a never ending story.This Act in the North-East has continued for last 5 (five) decades, but it has failed to solve the problem for which it was enacted, instead the number of insurgency groups are increasing and happening chains of killing of innocent people, rapes, disappearances, extortions or other forms of human rights violations by the armed forces and police commandos. The negative impacts of the Act have been overwhelming.As mentioned above, “To think that only a draconian law can protect the integrity and survival of legal order is to betray lack of faith in the rule of law.Today, there have been several efforts at various levels to resist the violation of human rights. Several human rights protection groups have documented hundreds of cases of disappearances, killings, tortures, molestations, rapes and destructions at the hands of armed forces/military and police authorities.It is equally the duty of the Union and the States to not only respect the fundamental rights conferred upon the citizens of India by Part III and other provisions of the Constitution; they are also under an obligation to ensure the conditions wherein the citizen can enjoy and avail of the fundamental and other rights available to the citizens.It is also pertinent to highlight that the judiciary by virtue of the power vested in it under the Constitution of India is the protection of the life and liberties of the citizens. So, the judiciary is a zealous guardian of the human rights. However, surprisingly the judiciary which is the guardian of the Constitution remains as a silent spectator.Now, we have to endeavour to restore the peace and democracy and not the present rule of gun which has been permanently sustaining since 1950s. The fact that TADA and TOTA had been repealed, why not AFSPA, is the question of the people of the North-East region.The black laws should immediately be revoked and human rights should be protected.

While closely monitoring developments in Manipur State, India, The Naga International Support Center, NISC, is dismayed over the forced recruitment by the kidnapping of under aged children of so called ‘freedom fighters’. Because this is a matter of great, even, international concern today NISC feels compelled to denounce those organizations or deployed individuals stooping to this subhuman level. Seizing children to train as soldiers for respective armies is deplorable yet has reached unfathomable heights. Most probably these criminals think that their right to self determination supersedes all individual rights but are in fact flagrant violations of individual human rights. This misconception strongly deserves strong condemnation and direct action by the authorities should be against these abominable acts. Not only the children themselves are forced to grow up with guns to fight for a cause they have no say in but also the desperate parents of these children fall victim to those unscrupulous people. Our hearts go out to parents and relatives and all children who suffer from being treated like slaves. Children are the future, they are the pillars of tomorrow. It is our duty as parents, as society and as international community to protect and them from evil forces. Because the Naga International Support Center is a human rights organization we cannot idly sit and watch children being used, abused and ultimately enslaved. Today many mothers weep for they lost sons and daughters. All in Manipur should rise to speak out against this anomaly. So far no organization or government came forward to actively stop the inhumane abductions. NISC calls on all sensible people: to stand up and raise your voice against these devilish acts once and for all.The Naga International Support Center urges the United Nations to speak out against this subhuman behavior and to take action against the Government of Manipur - the Government of India to intervene when the local state Government is not capable or unwilling to do so- the national organizations standing for their right to self determination of for instance the Kukis, the Nagas, the Meiteis and many others to speak out against those kidnappers and if they have ties with those criminals to apprehend them and hand them over to the proper authoritiesFor more information visit www.nagalim.nl or get in touch nisc@nagalim.nl">nisc@nagalim.nl

Chaing Mai summit draws peace roadmap morungexpress

Chaing Mai summit draws peace roadmap morungexpressDimapur | August 21 : In a welcome development the Naga Peace Summit III underway at Chiang Mai, Thailand today came out with a ten point “Covenant of Common Hope” (see box) terming it as a “response to the general desire of the Naga people” and giving the assurance that the “process of genuine Reconciliation, Unity and Peace among the Nagas is being pursued with greater determination; and there is no turning back”.Naga participants adopt 10-Point “Covenant of Common Hope”“In our joint commitment to move forward together in this process of spiritual renewal, participants of the Naga Peace Summit III representing Naga political groups, frontal hohos, churches and civil societies have made an honest and sincere commitment before God in Christ and fellow Nagas to strengthen the ongoing process of Naga Reconciliation, Unity and Peace in the spirit of forgiveness and mutual acceptance”, stated a communiqué issued by the Naga participants of the Naga Peace Summit III. Terming the 10-point “Covenant of Common Hope” as representing the “core values on which we strive to establish people’s trust and accountability”, the participants assured that this will be “demonstrated through both substantive and symbolic non-violent actions to achieve Naga Reconciliation, Unity and Peace”.The Naga participants also said that the “task of Naga Reconciliation, Unity and Peace is therefore the responsibility of each and every Naga” and urged every Naga from all walks of life to step forward and participate in realizing “our deep yearning to be reconciled with each other”. The participants also stated that the “need for Naga Reconciliation, Unity and Peace is urgent and imperative”. “We acknowledge that this is the means through which Nagas can go forward towards achieving our goal”.

A Covenant of Common Hope United in our shared desire to enable Naga Reconciliation, Unity and Peace, we, the participants of the Naga Peace Summit III, hereby agree to work in cooperation with credibility and transparency towards the following:• To reconcile on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas;• To have wider and honest conversation that will build and strengthen better understanding among Nagas;• To constructively work together in addressing differences and difficulties of the ground realities that stand in the way of Naga reconciliation;• To exercise utmost restraint and shun all forms of confrontation and violence that may result in any further divisions among the Nagas;• To shift from negative attitudes fueled by fear, distrust, suspicion, skepticism, self-righteousness and confrontation to positive positions of trust, respect, dialogue and oneness through relationship building;• To sincerely coordinate and co-operate with each other in strengthening the process of Naga reconciliation and unity;• To enable and help facilitate a more participatory and accommodating process of reconciliation at all levels of Naga society;• To uphold the values of human rights and self-determination by overcoming all forms of sectarianism, discrimination and exploitation without territorial demarcation among fellow Nagas;• To forge an inclusive and united vision for the Naga people to peacefully live together and also with other communities around; and• To pray for one another as we journey towards reconciliation.

DIMAPUR, AUG20 [NPN] : Former general secretary of GB’s Union Dimapur and GB of Railway Bazar, P Peiningbe Zeliang in his late fifties, was shot dead by three unidentified gunmen in his residence here at Railway Bazar Wednesday around 7.15 a.m. According to the wife of the deceased, one of the gunmen first came to their residence in a motorcycle and enquired about the GB.

The gunman left after he was told that the GB was attending a funeral service in the locality. Later, when Peiningbe returned, the other two gunmen who came in a white Alto car went inside the residence, while the third waited outside. The two gunmen then shot the GB twice on the head at point blank range in the corridor. Police later recovered two empty cases of 9.mm and 7.65mm from the spot.

Talking to this reporter, Mrs. Zeliang said “we don’t have any enmity with anyone, so why did they kill my husband.” Late Peiningbe leaves behind his wife, two sons and four daughters. The funeral service will be held Thursday at the family residence, Railway Bazar, at 10 a.m. GBs Union Dimapur has requested all GBs under Dimapur Sadar to reach the residence by 9 a.m in GB uniform. Meanwhile, sources from the GBs informed that all shops in Dimapur would remain closed till 12 noon on Thursday as a mark of protest against the killing of the GB. NSCN (IM) condemns, condoles morungexpress23 Dimapur, august 22 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today condemned the killing of PP Zeliang, GB of Railway Bazar on August 20 by some unidentified miscreants. It also expressed condolence over the death of Tokuka Awomi, ‘Rajapeyu of the Sumi Region (NSCN (IM)’ and the death of Zuheto Swu, DIG of BSF (Rtd). Condemning the killing of PP Zeliang, GB of Railway Bazar on August 20, an MIP press release asserted that the ‘cold-blooded’ killing of late P Peiningbe Zeliang, GB of Railway Bazar ‘has come as a shocking incident that necessitate strongest condemnation by all who value the deeper meaning of peace and the effort that goes towards building peaceful atmosphere in the backdrop of our Indo-Naga political talks entering a critical stage’.“Any Killing among the Nagas is unfortunate as this reflects the demoralizing standard of the Naga society. The Socio-Political situation going through a crucial testing time should not be shaken to go downhill by allowing such killing to go on,” the release stated. The release conveyed heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed God to rest the depart soul in peace. The NSCN (IM) MIP also expressed shock at the death of Tokuka Awomi, ‘who met with a tragic accident leading to his untimely death’. He was recently inducted as Rajapeyu in the Sumi Region, the release stated. “This has come as a great shock to NSCN, particularly to the Sumi national workers of NSCN. His death comes at a time when his service was needed the most, and, therefore his absence will be greatly felt,” the NSCN (IM) stated in a condolence message issued through its MIP. Paying tribute to his short service rendered for the nation and particularly for his dedicated spirit to his people, the release stated that ‘the nation’ shall remember Tokuka’ in the pages of the history in the making’. The release further conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. Meanwhile, the ‘All Sumi National Workers, GPRN/NSCN (IM)’ today expressed sadness over the death of Zuheto Swu, DIG of BSF (Rtd) on August 20. Asserting that Zuheto Swu’s concern for the Indo-Naga political problem was always reflected in different occasions, a condolence message from the ‘All Sumi National Workers, GPRN/NSCN (IM)’ stated that they consider him as a person possessing rare character with a distinct personality of his own.The message, however, stated that to see Zuheto Swu ‘die without a glimpse of the Naga solution is the saddest part of his life and to bid him good bye in such manner is all the more sad for the Sumi’. “But the will of God prevails” the release added, in this regard. The message further conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. Naga Hoho unhappy over GB’s killing morungexpressDimapur, August 22 (MExN): The Naga Hoho today expressed shock over the killing of P Peiningba Zeliang, GB of Railway Bazar, Dimapur, on August 20 at his residence by unknown assailants and said that such killing of a community leader will not bring any solution, but rather create more division and disunity in the Naga society. “Late PP Zeliang was one of the concerned GBs who actively involved in the Joint forum of GBs and DBs for peace, unity and reconciliation in Nagaland,” the Naga Hoho stated in a press release issued by its Publicity Secretary, C Daipao. They lamented that the untimely death of P P Zeliang was a great loss for the GBs in particular and the Nagas in general.Also expressing unhappiness over the killing of the GB, especially “at this crucial juncture when the entire GBs are struggling for peace, unity and reconciliation among the Nagas, the Naga Hoho affirmed that such killing of community leader would “not bring any solution, rather it will create more divisions in the Naga society.”“It is high time to stop killing among the Nagas as gun culture can not bring any peace, unity and reconciliation,” the Hoho stated. The Hoho further conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.

Naga unity hopes fade with killing Telegraph India Kohima, Aug 21 : The Naga unification move today suffered another big jolt with NSCN rebels gunning down a powerful gaonbura (village headman) and a member of the Dobashis Joint Forum, which has been spearheading the peace and unification drive between the warring Naga militant factions. The killing comes in the middle of the third Naga reconciliation meet at Chiang Mai in Thailand which began on August 17.Police said gunmen forced their way into the Dimapur residence of P.P. Zeliang, gaonbura of West Yard Colony, and shot him dead from close range. Though the policemen could not establish which faction was responsible for the killing, they were certain that “it was the handiwork of one of the NSCN factions”. The gaonburah died on the spot.Factional killings, too, continued unabated when armed NSCN (K) cadres stormed the house of David Tangkhul of the NSCN (I-M) — who was second in command of Kohima town — and pumped five bullets, killing him on the spot at Razhu Point.Family sources said Tang-khul was killed in front of his wife and two small children. The killers escaped in a car.The situation in Kohima and Dimapur was tense after the incidents though the government stepped up patrolling and frisking in all vulnerable areas.Last month, Khezheto Chishi, gaonbura of Yeshulto village under Zunheboto, was abducted from his hotel room in Kohima by NSCN (I-M) activists and shot dead, but his body was never found, despite appeals by Chishi’s family members.The NSCN (I-M) said Chishi was killed because he was involved with its rival NSCN (K) faction. But so far, none of the factions has owned up to killing Zeliang.The gaonburas (village chiefs) and dobashis (chiefs of Naga customary courts) of the Joint Forum are currently engaged in peace and unification of Naga warring militant groups under the patronage of the state government.However, with the killing of two gaonburas within a span of hardly one-and-a-half month, the much-hyped peace process is again heading for a collapse. The NSCN (I-M) said it would not be part of the peace process led by gaonburas and dobashis.In Dimapur’s Khermahal area, an army vehicle was damaged when bullets flew between the two factions of the NSCN.

Jamir, ministers condole demise of Zuheto Swu morungexpressDimapur, August 21 ((MExN): Maharashtra Governor, SC Jamir has expressed grief over the demise of Zuheto, Retd. DIG (BSF). Jamir said that Nagas have lost a leader “who witnessed the changes of not only the physical development of Nagaland, but also of the political compulsions of the times.” The Governor in a press release has said that he was informed of late Zuheto’s visit to Mumbai for further medical tests only a couple of days ago and that he was looking forward to meeting him again. “I met him last a few years back here in Mumbai when he was under medical supervision and I had quite some nostalgic moments with him. We discussed about the tumultuous periods Nagas had to go through to come to where they are now. He was of the opinion that the long protracted Naga political problem should be solved in our life time and that our children should not be burdened with the age-old problem,” Jamir said.Jamir also pointed out that late Zuheto was one of the few Naga leaders who sacrificed a whole life to the cause of the Naga people. Expounding on the deceased’s life, Jamir said that late Zuheto studied up to Class X and joined the Naga movement in 1955 at a very early age of 26. “He was in the thick and thin of the whole historical processes Nagas went through and served the people in highly responsible positions including that of officiating Commander-in-Chief of the Naga Army in the absence of Gen Mowu in the late 1960s,” Jamir expounded.The note has also mentioned that late Zuheto was instrumental in the formation of the Revolutionary Government of Nagaland and later joined the national mainstream in 1973, and in September 1973 took over command of the newly raised battalion of the Border Security Force and rose to the rank of Deputy Inspector General, BSF, in charge of Nagaland and Manipur. The Governor further added that late Zuheto’s service to the nation was recognised by the Government of India when he was awarded with several national awards including the President’s Police Award for meritorious services. “That he rose to the rank of C-in-C in the Naga Army, and that he was honoured with various national awards, is a telling testimony of his dedication and commitment to the responsibilities he was entrusted with,” Jamir said on a more personal note. Meanwhile, Jamir and his lady wife have extended their heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and hoped and prayed that God Almighty grants them strength and solace at their hour of grief.MLA Pusa shocked at demise Dimapur, August 21 (MExN): K V Pusa, MLA and President of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee, has expressed shock at the sudden demise of retired Deputy Inspector of General of the Border Security Force (BSF), Zuheto K Swu, on August 20. In a message received here today, Pusa said, “Late Swu was a tall Naga leader who had served our society in different capacity till his last. Though with his death Nagas have lost one of the upright and dedicated leaders, the contributions of Swu in our society would be recorded in the annals of Naga history.” He further conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

Khekiho mourns demise of former FGN General Dimapur, August 21 (MExN): H Khekiho Zhimomi, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, has expressed shock over the demise of late Zuheto K Swu, former General of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and retired DIG of Border Security Force, on August 20. In a condolence message, Khekiho said, “Nagas have lost an upright Naga leader who served the Naga people and the Sumis in particular in different capacities. The sacrifices and contributions he has made for the Naga society will always be remembered in the days to come.” Khekiho, along with his family members, conveyed condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed that God Almighty would grant them solace.

Minister Doshehe condoles Dimapur, August 21 (MExN): Minister for Power, Doshehe Y Sema, has expressed grief over the demise of late Zuheto, Retd. DIG (BSF). The Minister in a press release stated that late Zuheto was one of the tallest figures among the eminent Nagas and particularly the Sumi community. The note further stated that “his death has caused an unconformity in the matrix of our society that may take some time to bridge the gap.” Doshehe also extended condolence to the family and hoped that God’s blessings would be bestowed upon his children and the society.Genesis of Nagalim Theishuinao THE tANGHULAs i sat down pondering, I am reminded of a conversation that struck up one early Morning over a cup of tea with an elderly AO person, some few years back. As we flip Through the pages of Local leading daily news” The Nagaland post”, He sarcastically Remarked with a smile on his face ‘Nagalim tu tui khan tangkhul khan laga creation Ase”meaning nagalim is the creation of tangkhul community.I tried to mimic his Style and smile him back the same way he did without uttering a word-bridle tongue. My idea was to let, better sense prevail.

“We were wondering as to why NSF has not Been able to clarify when confusion arose with the usage of the Nagalim”was the Word echoed and voiced out concertedly by some concerned Naga denizens some Five to six years back. In these backdrop, I believe many a naga would also hold the Hold the same opinion .over the years, the coinage and the usage of Nagalim has Indeed fomented and generated a debate. I am reverberating and ventilating the same Echo in sync for the larger interests of the reader.The word ‘LIM’ was first coined during The days of NNC.with the formation of KUKNALIM derive from two dialects, “KUK”derieved from tenyidie word “KUO”victory and “NA”as people and “LIM” From Ao naga dialect “LIMAH” as land.Thus, “KUKNALIM” in its fullests terms, Victory to our people and land.In 1982,when Z.Lohe became the president of NSF (also former Speaker of Nagaland state Legislature)resolved a new theme of NSF “for a greater lim and glory of the Nagas”.Later in 1993,when MR K.Temjen became The president of NSF and MR.Theja Therieah as the Speaker ,the conference theme For the fifteen General conference of the NSF at ukhrul was “for a unified Nagalim” There after MR Vikheho Swu (also the former convenor of NPMHR)took over as the President of the NSF and MR neiba kronu as the Speaker,on the endorsement of The 15th General conference of the Federal Assembly at ukhrul ,a commission was Formed to work out the concept of the unified Nagalim.The commission consisted Of Rev DR Wati Aier,DR Tuisem .A. shishak ,DR .Visier and the executive council Of the NSF.subsequently,The commission brought out a brochure called “for a Unified Nagalim” In 1995 at the 16TH General conference of the NSF at phek. Later on NPMHR also adopted its usage in 1996.Then in 1999 the NSCN started Using as “National Socialist council of Nagalim”in place of Nagaland: It is for the Naga people to see and study about the Plethora of events and discussion that took place before the word Nagalim came into Being,less we can be swayed and misled away like the same elderly person who Carry a resplendent yet corny smile.

KUKNALIMTHE REAL FIGHT FOR NAGA SOCIETY K CHISHI MorungThe tiny hand waved unabashed and blissfully unaware of the unkempt hair and the muddy youthful face. The smile belied the insecurities and an uncertain future which thankfully is an adult worry at least for the time being. The boy stood with his band of friends on the roadside while his mother tilled on the steep hill side. The innocence and hope filled eyes of the boy threw open the question. “Doesn’t the future generation deserve a better deal”? As I turn around I saw the gang of boys vanish into the sun lit corn fields. The bright sunny day belied the overcast gloom on the future of the Naga society. The Naga society is strewn with uncertainty and turmoil despite the ongoing Cease Fire. What’s worse than to brothers killing each other? Inter factional clashes and selective killings have caught the common people in the cross fire. The individualistic agenda of the factions to exert influence over each other stands contrast to the nationalistic ideals that they once stood for. The ideological fight for a cause which caught the imagination of the masses is reduced to looting and arson. The solemn promise of future full of peace, prosperity and freedom has been broken. The need of the hour is to ask what are we fighting for. If we are fight for freedom then we need to ask “Freedom for what?” The Naga army trained and pledged to fight needs a reason to fight. The reason most certainly is not the spate violence unslashed by the faction leading to inter factional killings and loss of civilian life neither is the reason to exort and create arson. The reasons to fight stare at our face as clear as the truth when we take away the blinds of factional rivalry, greed for money and power. The need is to fight against unmindful violence which creates turbulence in the peaceful sublime society. Need is to fight the termite of corruption which threaten to dampen the surge to progress. The reason to fight is to free the economy from the shackles of extortion and allow it to soar at new heights of economic development and freedom. The fight is required to ensure education and awareness so as to create vision among the new generation. The need is to put Nagaland on the sporting map. The need is to make it a tourism destination showcasing the culture and traditions. The need is to be proud of our tribal cultural history which forms the bedrock of our democratic ideals rather than to allow them to become impediments to our march to our dream of Naga unification and reconciliation. The need is to renew our faith in the teachings of the Holly Bible and spread the message of non-violence, forgiveness and reconciliation. For all that and more we need to reorient the forces who claim to carry the burden of the National movement. As we move onward into the future full of promise we need to shed the burden of pain and anguish of past through the process of forgiveness and reconciliation. The forces need to commit themselves to peace so as to rebuild the Naga society and allow it to reach the new heights of prosperity and promise. That’s the solemn responsibility that the present generation, the leaders and the people who can make the difference have as they pass on the legacy to the new generation. That’s a minimum that the hope filled eyes of the boy ask from us as he plays carelessly in the fields … at least for the time being … until he grows up. Let us all keep the promise we made to our children and ensure the smile remain as he traverses through the adolescence and enters into his youth.

London, New York, get set to savour northeast Indian delicaciesKolkata: The West may be high on tikka and tandoori, but here come meat with bamboo shoot, cooked wild herbs, banana stems and more. Dishes from india’s northeast are set to invade palates in London, New York and Paris through a new restaurant chain.Guwahati-based master chef Atul Lahkar is hoping to put northeastern cuisine - which is low on oil and boasts of herbal and organic fare - on the world food map by opening eateries abroad.

“It has been my dream to take the region’s cuisine to the global market. I am glad that through support from friends and food connoisseurs spread across the world, my dream will soon materialise,” Lahkar, 42, told IANS. “The best part about northeastern cuisine is that it is not only mouth-watering, but is quite healthy and simple to cook,” he added.He is planning to open the restaurant chain exclusively serving ethnic northeastern dishes in global cities like London, New York, Paris and even in exotic Athens by next year.Over a period of eight years, Lahkar has ventured into every nook and cranny of northeast India and documented over 200 recipes. The chef now wants to make delicacies from the northeast as popular as Chinese, Continental and Mughlai cuisines.The idea to go global was fuelled further when three of Lahkar’s eateries in Guwahati serving ethnic cuisine gained enormous popularity - not only among locals but also among foreign tourists.“Due to the introduction of global food habits across the region in the last two decades, the new generation has almost lost interest in the food prepared by our grandmothers. But the three eateries started by Lahkar in the last few years have revived the lost glory of northeastern food,” said Guwahati-based food critic Husina Salam.Lahkar said: “After visiting my eateries in Guwahati, many Assamese NRIs have asked me to popularise Assamese cuisine in the global market. To gauge the response to northeastern delicacies outside the region, I visited Bangkok, London and Paris, to name a few.”Everywhere he carried his food, the response was overwhelming.“Less of oil and lots of herbs and organic food products is the secret behind the taste of ethnic cuisine from the northeast. Moreover, our dishes are very innovative and quite different from usual Indian dishes, which is its USP,” said Lahkar.The chef developed an interest in cooking various dishes of the region from his grandmother when he was a teenager.Some of Lahkar’s recipes form part of the everyday menu in a typical household in the northeast. Be it khar (alkaline), khorika (barbecued dishes), or pork cooked in bamboo shoot, Lahkar’s inspiration has always been the simple and healthy food habits of the region.“If chicken, beef, pork and mutton form the integral part of the northeastern food spread, then vegetarian fare can have various items such as kosu shak (Egyptian arum), dhekia shak (a species of fern), bon shak (wild herbs), posolar khar (banana stem), to name a few,” added Lahkar, who has written two cookery books.Alaska-based entrepreneur Jayashree Khataniar, during a vacation in her hometown Guwahati, said: “Whenever I am in Guwahati, I make it a point to visit one of Lahkar’s eateries to taste authentic cuisine of northeast.“He is surely helping the cuisine to gain popularity".

Dialogue – NISC to all UG factions morungexpress

Dialogue – NISC to all UG factions morungexpress

Dimapur, August 17 (MExN): All the factions of the NSCN and the NNC are urged to “come together openly” so that the Naga people are made aware of the points of differences that separated the factions. This can also be an exploration on what basis justice can be done, the ‘Naga International Support Center’ stated in a note received here today. ‘The NISC urges the Naga National Council (all factions of it), the NSCN Khaplang Group (including the recently joined Unification group headed by Azetho Chopy) and the Naga Socialist Council of Nagaland, NSCN-IM, headed by Isak Swu and Thuingalang Muivah to come together openly. This way the Naga peoples will come to know what differences separated them and on which basis justice can be done”, the NISC statement stated. The NSCN-IM is urged ‘to set the example and so to eradicate all those who are guilty of taking the law into their own hands’. The NISC said that fratricide “initiated and sponsored by the Government of India must end and measures to bring law and order back in torn Nagaland must be taken (sic)”.“Power mongering, greed on the basis of bloody past differences have led to a vicious circle of violence among the Nagas resulting in indiscriminate pay back revenge, murder. Irrespective of who and what organization started this violence for the greater cause of the Nagas it is imperative to close ranks and to set the example of dealing with a just society which has human rights at the forefront of its policies” the group said. According to the NISC no leader of any self-respecting Naga organization that claims to represent the Naga people would resort to exterminating adversaries. Rather, set an example by showing compassion, extend forgiveness and insist on bringing culprits to justice; even if these errant culprits are found to be within their own ranks.Curiously, the NISC referred to the “in general the type of violence”, now rampant in Nagaland and said it can continue because of the absence of a law abiding system on which a judiciary system is based. “Culprits acting on their own or who have been directed by their superiors can do as they please and because they have the weapons, they actually do kill. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of Nagas have been killed this way” the NISC reminded. “For a just society to be created it is absolutely necessary to come to terms with law and order. Not only out of respect to the slain people, cadres and innocent people alike, but also this is of utmost importance for the relatives of the victims. These relatives naturally harbor grudges which feed on the urge to take revenge. If these grudges are not recognized and addressed the spiral of violence continues and intensifies” the NISC cautioned. Let sanity prevail so Human Rights can be restored, the NISC said while urging that revenge “belong only to the feeble and insecure”. Let the Nagas unite with justice in mind so the great issue of the Naga right to self determination can be pursued with vigor driven by the united stand, it added.

Chingwang calls for peace and unityKohima, August 17 (NEPS): Leader of Opposition Chingwang Konyak said the biggest hurdle the Nagas are facing today is in “Nagas from one place could not go to another Naga inhabited areas freely.” “It is not that Nagas fear Indian army nor other security forces but they (Nagas) fear their own brothers,” he told NEPS here today. He said, “Unless and until this barrier is completely removed, no solution to the Naga political issue would be forthcoming.” The veteran Congress leader said the first and foremost step Nagas should take is have peace and unity amongst themselves before they set out for any peace process and political negotiation with the Government of India. “Where is the logic to have political negotiation or peace process with the Government of India, when killings amongst Naga brethren continue unabated?” he queried. Konyak stated there is no meaning in having ceasefires when the government cannot enforce the ground rules mutually agreed upon between the parties in concern. “Therefore, I have been telling the government that it should strictly enforce the cease fire ground rules,” he said. Asked about the role of the DAN’s PAC towards reconciliation and unity amongst the underground factions, Konyak shrugged it off that such a move of the PAC would bring any progress. “As far as past experience is concerned, I don’t think PAC’s meeting with leaders of various factions will bring reconciliation and unity amongst leaders of various factions,” he said. He, however, said the realization of unity must first come from the leaders of underground factions before any settlement. Asked if he has any hope that the state’s Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, would do something narrowing the gap between the underground factions, the Leader of Opposition said, “I don’t think so.” “Rio might have tried to do something, but as I said no progress would be there unless there is a realization of unity among the underground leaders,” he said. At the same time, his (Rio) equi-closeness policy had brought more division rather than bringing closeness amongst the factions in the State, Konyak asserted. “IM cadres should ask their leaders to give explanation” Thomas Morung expressIt is a pity to the so-called NSCN-IM cadres who joined its fold after 1980 or 1990 and even some of them joined after 2000 don’t know the Naga national history as they were blindfolded by their leaders, thus they only know what their leaders taught them distorted history. So they should carefully examine what I have written and ask their leaders for explanation on the following points. 1. We have no differences with Th. Muivah that the Accord was only a dead paper (see Manifesto of IM page 18). It was dead because the NNC/FGN promptly rejected it in December 1975. So no explanation is needed since all parts of the body are dead. But the difference among us was; out of the three top leaders of the NNC, Eno A.Z. Phizo, Eno Imkongmeren and Eno Th. Muivah the then the President, Vice President and General Secretary of the NNC, Th. Muivah alone said the NNC was dead. And none of the FGN leaders said the NNC was dead except Eno Isak Swu who was a mouthpiece of Muivah said. So the IM cadres should ask them, why did they tell a lie to them that the NNC was dead? If the NNC was dead when Muivah was upholding the General Secretary office of the NNC, why then Muivah has been fighting against the NNC up to date ( 29 years)? The Accord of 1975 was not the end of the chapter of NNC. Th. Muivah therefore upheld the General Secretary office of the NNC up to January 31, 1980 . Also Muivah asserted in December 2004 that “It is the NNC that gave us leeway, not me nor Isak. It was the NNC, it was Phizo. Who can deny that. The NNC leaders had laid the foundation”. So IM cadres should ask Isak and Muivah that why have they defected from the NNC? And why are they fighting against the Nagas? 2. The NNC/FGN and factions like IM, K, Senka, Singnya groups, NSF and Nagas as a whole have in one accord observed the 62nd Nagaland’s Independence Day on 14th August 2008 . Eno Isak in his speech said: …on August 14th, 1947, the Naga people in the British occupied declared independence…Thank God for the wise leadership who have taken the wise and bold step in the right time for the good and posterity”. As they (IM group) observed 62nd Nagaland’s Independence Day on August 14, 2008 , they have spoken the truth that there is no break of our national history from 1947. However, Th. Muivah wrongly propagated in 1980 that the Naga national history was already sold out by the NNC through signing of an accord in 1975. Following this wrong conception, the IM leaders stopped to observe Nagaland’s Independence Day and Plebiscite Day since 1980. They deadly against the observing of the Independence Day and attacked the Naga people who were observing the Nagaland’s Independence Day in 1985 at Chiulon Peace Camp in Zeliangrong Region where they killed four innocent Nagas, Roukam, Namsongdinang, Ikuabambe and Namjiu. And again on August 12, 1992 at Old Chalkok village Peren area, they abducted 12 NNC/FGN workers including a woman who went to celebrate Independence Day of Nagaland at Bunglan Naga Army Camp. And subsequently they tortured and killed them. This is now become a history.The IM cadres should therefore ask Muivah and Isak for the explanation that, why did they oppose to observe Naga Independence Day in the past and why are they now observing it? If they are observing the NNC’s history they have no right to fighting against the NNC. While they are observing 62nd Naga Independence Day, why did they tell lie that the NNC has completely surrendered or a dead organization? (Their statement appeared on 14th August 2008 in Nagaland Dailies signed by Lt. Hukato Yeptho under the caption NNC/FGN ridiculous organisation). In contrast their statement was a ridiculous to themselves. 3. The Nagas from all Regions were brought into a nation when the Naga National Council was formed on 2nd February 1946 , and all the Naga territories were formally integrated when the Yehzabo (Constitution) of Nagaland was adopted in 1956 and formed the Federal Government of Nagaland on March 22, 1956 . The Article 1 of the Nagaland Yehzabo reads:- “The territory of Nagaland shall comprise all the territories of the Nagas”. So the IM cadres must question their leaders that, the Nagas are integrated as a nation, why are they (IM) is fighting against the NNC/FGN and demanding from the GoI for the integration of some particular Naga areas under the Indian Union? 4. The Nagaland Yahzabo was unanimously adopted by all Nagas. And all Naga national workers swore in the name of Almighty God to defend the Yehzabo of Nagaland before they enter into their respective office of the NNC and FGN. So also Isak and Muivah took oath and entered into their offices. Why did they not abide by the oath they have taken and formed the NSCN by deserting the NNC/FGN? Is it not a gross violation of the Yehzabo of Nagaland? 5. In other countries of the world, there are secessionist groups who are demanding independence or self-determination from their master nations. Some are fighting for recognition of their people as indigenous people by their legitimate Government and by the world, and some are fighting for ideological revolution against their governments. But why IM group has been revolting against the Naga national parent body NNC/FGN without any demand and purpose. Can they say that they have differences with the NNC/FGN by respectfully observing the Naga Independence Day and Plebiscite Day of the NNC? The Nagas need not to move for socialist revolution when we are resisting against the aggressor. Why then IM group needs to impose socialism on the Naga people and killing the Nagas? 6. Also the IM cadres should ask their leaders that, if your leaders stand to defend the sovereignty of Nagaland, why are they using you (NSCN Cadres) only to kill fellow Nagas and for the campaigns of the Indian elections? Why did they give you full power to even a private soldier to torture and kill any Naga who fell into your hands? You chased unarmed persons (your opponents) like animal and killed in the towns and villages? IM cadres, yourselves also should ask that why are you killing your own Naga leaders and fellow men without refusing the order given by your leaders? 7. I myself and the Nagas are glorifying the name of God by proclaiming that God is protecting the Naga nation and He has saved our nation from the doom. If the IM leaders said this is a wrong expressing, then let IM leaders give explanation to their own cadres as well as to the nation that how the NSCN has saved the nation? Would they claim that they have destroyed Khiamniungan Region and Lainong people in the right time and saved the nation? Or by submitting 31-point competencies proposal to the GoI after they killed thousands of Nagas and saved the nation?They may write their statements a billion times to justify their defection from the NNC/FGN and formation of the NSCN but their actions shall speak always the truth and testify that they have been telling lies.Thomas,NNC MemberDesigners seek to revive dying Naga tribal handicrafts AgenciesBANGALORE, August 17 (Agencies): Yanger Ao, a tribal craftsman from Nagaland, had never thought his wooden furniture would be very popular in far off Bangalore.Ao is one of the 20-odd poor tribal craftsmen from Mokokchung, 162km from Kohima, still practising the fast dying art. The tribesmen make furniture, baskets and other items using Nahor palmwood and oak, taken from the forest in their area. The tools they use are also primitive.Two designers, Aradhana Nagpal and Pooja Nichlani, seeing the potential of this Naga handicraft, have carried the work of these tribesmen to Bangalore, where the initial response to the traditional products at an exhibition has been encouraging.“We are happy with the response from the connoisseurs, who are quite excited to discover the little known craft works of Naga artisans. We wanted to show the rest of the world how creative and artistic the traditional artisans of Nagaland are. Through the exhibition we wanted to encourage the few remaining craftsmen,” said Nagpal, who also runs Dhoop, a popular home decor destination in Mumbai.“All their art works reflect indigenous history, culture and lifestyle of Naga people. But since the educated youngsters are hardly interested in carrying forward their tradition, the wood- and bamboo-based art works of Nagas are slowly dying a silent death,” added the 29-year-old designer.“Nagas are a self-sufficient community. They create objects with ritualistic and aesthetic value. The time has come now to commercialise their art works to save them from extinction,” she said.“I am happy that Aradhana and Pooja have taken the pain to popularise Naga art works in the metros. This will surely give a huge impetus to tribal handicraft,” Alam Longkumer, a Naga wood worker and a graduate from Delhi’s National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), said.Naga village doors, beer barrels hollowed out of tree trunks, wooden benches with animal and bird carvings, water troughs, beds, tumblers and bowls and various other items were on display at the exhibition.“I have never seen such designs and craftwork. Nagas are highly artistic and create magic in wood and bamboo,” said Deepak Pandey, a bank executive, while appreciating a storage urn.

Speech of SS Khaplang, President, GPRN/NSCN (K) My dear countrymen and comrades at the outset I thank the Almighty Lord for His grace in sustaining us, thus far. On this auspicious occasion of our 61st Independence Day anniversary celebration, I pay homage to all those martyrs, through whose courageous and selfless sacrifices derives our pride, strength and inspiration instilling unflinching commitment to defend our inalienable rights against all odds. Their deeds will continue to be hailed, remembered and cherished by posterity throughout generations to come. I also take the privilege at this day of significance to convey my revolutionary salutations to all compatriots and national workers of the Naga nation. It was on this historic day the 14th August 1947, one day ahead of the then British India's declaration of their independence that the Nagas declared our independence, which was endorsed to the United Nations and to countries that had then established their Embassies at Delhi, India. Nagas have lived as a free people-nation since time immemorial till the advent of the British crown. In complete negation of our inherent rights as a free people to determine our own fate, the occupational forces (India and Burma) forcefully occupied our land by vivisecting our territories with artificial boundaries, without the consent, approval and against the wish of the Naga people. This resulted in the uprising of the Naga national movement for our freedom against occupational armies. More than half a century has elapsed in our pursuit for self-determination against external occupational forces. We have traversed across various detrimental obstacles in the course of our struggle. Despite diverse adversities, our aspiration and determination to retain our rights continue to revitalize and invigorate in us as challenges are confronted with the times. Antagonists have gone up to the extent of disseminating dissentions, divisionism, regionalism and tribal inclinations to douse our spirits of nationalism, but in vain. We have witnessed and experienced that unless unification of all the Naga people is achieved, efforts to expedite a permanent and acceptable lasting solution to the Indo-Naga-Myanmar political imbroglio would be futile. In the past to the present, many civil societies, Apex Tribal bodies, NGOs, Churches, intellectuals and public leaders have been appealing to shun violence so that a united diplomatic and honourable solution to the protracted political issue could be expedited with our counter-parts, These sincere appeals and their tireless efforts have encountered failures due to callous egoistic principles of certain Naga leaders and un-compromising gestures that have led to senseless fratricides in-within. In recent times, through the efforts of the Nagaland G.Bs and Dubashis Joint Forum and Apex Tribal bodies an unconditional 'all Naga unification' initiative materialized. This unification process received impetus with the consent and approval of the Chairmen Isak Chishi Swu, S.S. Khaplang of the NSCNs and Brig. S. Singnya, President of the NNC/FGN (Non-Accordist). This unification process further gained momentum with the signing of a cease-fire between all Naga warring parties (NSCNs & NNC) under the aegis of Nagaland G.Bs and D.Bs joint Forum at Kohima in December 2007. Consequently, all like-minded Naga national workers began uniting unconditionally irrespective of party, organization or tribal affiliation. This event was hailed far and wide by all the Nagas with prevalence of hopes for peace to dawn in our land. Unfortunately, all hopes collapsed with the retraction of peace and unification General Secretary, Th Muivah for reasons best known to his group. Subsequently, the Cease-fire was unilaterally abrogated by Muivah's group with he cold-blooded killing of three Ao Naga Army personnel at Longmisa, under Mokokchung district. Then, again during the first part of May 2008 Chairman Isak Chishi Swu declared 'Peace and Reconciliation' amongst Nagas, but whether contrary or in disrespect to this proclamation, 14 NSCN unification personnels were ambushed and killed at Xelhozhe village near Dimapur on 16th May 2008. Following this incident, while the Quackers from Britain and World Baptist Alliance organized a Naga 'peace. Reconciliation & Unity' meet at Chingmai, where all Naga NGOs, Tribal representatives, Churches, NSCNs' representatives, NNC's representatives besides other observers attended, Muivah's cadres in complete disregard to the peace initiatives, deliberately attacked the Naga Unification Camp situated near Vihokhu village on the 24th June which continued up-till 26th June. Thence, the fratricidal killings resurfaced once again in the land of the Nagas unabated. Intimidations and bans upon Naga intellectuals, leaders, NGOs and Apex Tribal bodies that was in favour of all Naga unification was revived by anti-Naga unification elements. Today, Nagas could judiciously and logically sum up whether one's ego and principles are higher than our aspiration for self-determination. Are we to continue being shackled to our obstinate justifications, by senselessly victimizing and crucifying thousands of Nagas in the name of our liberation on the altar of our stubbornness? We need to introspect as well as introspect our own deeds and actions and not but only search for others' mistakes. The errors that we commit today should not become our nemesis, but envisaging positive and pragmatic steps to mould a brighter, peaceful and prosperous future for the present and coming generations is the need of the hour. We are perched at a juncture on where our decisions today will be vital in formulating our tomorrow. Let us abstain from all prejudices, suspicions, tribal inclinations, hatred, and individual aggrandizements or ambitions in the spirit of forgive and by burying the hatched in embracing out fraternity and brotherhood as a nation-people. For as long as we carry on ignoring these facts, the chain reaction of bad-blood will inherit us nothing in the end but our own regrettable destruction. May our good judgments and proper conscience prevail so that we build a new era of peace and tranquility, and our aspirations rescued? Lastly but not the least, I sincerely appeal to all the Naga civil societies, NGOs and right thinking citizens to tirelessly stand and join hands together and work for the unity, by courageously fighting against anti-unification elements in the land of the Nagas. Long live Nagaland! K U K N A L I M S.S. KHAPLANG Yariuwo (President) Government of the People's Republic of Nagaland.

Adinno Phizo’s message on 61st Anniversary of Naga Independence Declaration on 14 August I send my warmest greetings to our irrepressible people on the occasion of the 61st Anniversary (1947 - 2008) of the formal declaration to the world by the Naga representatives that Nagaland will stay independent on 14 August, a day ahead of Union of India independence granted by Great Britain. We are profoundly thankful to the Almighty God for our beautiful Nagaland. From ancient time, our sagacious ancestors handed down the baton of freedom from one generation to the next. On our part, we have the same responsibility to uphold the universal choice of the Naga people to be a nation and ensure Nagaland stay independent all the time. On the eve of the historic independence declaration in 1947, Nagaland was far from a cohesive federation of diverse communities. Hitherto, in the absence body politic, Naga consciousness hinged on visceral perception. Henceforward, respective community representatives suddenly realised that nation building required; education, organisational skill, political experience, social discipline, and in particular, a dynamic national leader. It was a daunting prospect for any people. We know the world, including some Naga people, doubted Nagaland would survive the harsh international political enviroment. Regardless, whilst Nagaland proceeded to putting together political infrastructure, neighbouring India brazenly began to interfere without any justification. In the midst of much rumours and speculation, A Z Phizo asked the Naga people to think over his vision for Naga nation, "to be a Man among men and to be a Nation among nations", under the aegis of the Naga National Council (NNC). The people of Nagaland responded in unison and endorsed a common independent Naga destiny on 16 May 1951 that has since became the bedrock of modern Nagaland. Immediately after that, the NNC President reached our the hardly visited Naga people in the East, he named Free Nagas. The respective community leaders reached agreement with the NNC that brought about an organic integration duly enshrined in the First Naga Federal Yehzabo (Constitution). In pursuance of the Provisions in the Yehzabo, at the First Session of the Tatar Hoho (Federal Parliament) held on 22 March 1956, the Hoho ratified the Yehzabo of Nagaland and vested in the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) with full legal authority. From the outset, Naga representatives led by A Z Phizo, made strenuous efforts to create better understanding with emerging Indian leaders based on mutual respect, both before and after, respective nation declared its independence. As a matter of fact, at no time Nagaland and India share a common history. So the Naga people never expected India would possibly attack Nagaland one day so soon after its own freedom. But soon after the assassination of the Father of modern India, Mahatma Gandhi, a palpable policy change threatened to destroy already strained peaceful relation. Then shockingly the Indian army invaded Nagaland in 1954. In best ancestors tradition, a Naga resist the enemy on one's own. Our brave Naga patriots true to form stood up to the Indian aggressors regardless to the disparity of forces. India's fascination of Nagaland is totally unfounded. Most conflicts are caused by dispute of one kind or another, and possibly on pretext of an imagined demon. India's unsubstantiated claim on Nagaland is baseless and untenable. I often wonder if in the past fifty four (54) years, the Indian national leaders and politicians ever set aside a moment to reflect on the protracted unequal India flagrantly waged against Nagaland. If someone has, what is it Indian leaders felt threatening that India resorted to trampling the freedom of Naga people with impunity. Now that India has global ambition to become an economic super power, can India stop the world look askance at Indian hypocrisy towards Nagaland? In addition to enduring insufferable foreign imposed tyranny, mindless sectarian violence gripped Naga society in the past three decades. It is manifestly evil to justfy political killing as patriotic. Evidently, Delhi has secured the sevices of the anti-Nagaland sectarian gang(s), drawn mainly from outside Nagaland, to destabilise Naga society. The notorious gang clearly delude itself that it can subvert NNC and FGN with logistic support provided by the Indian government agencies. NNC will never deviate from the national stand in the conflict with India. Naturally, our people yearn for peace and normalcy. On our part, we are not demanding any favour from India except to leave Nagaland in peace. But as long as the Indian leaders think India can get away with aggression, peace will remain elusive. One thing is certain, our people are determined that freedom is worth fighting for. Our nation will always remember those who sacrificed their lives for the just cause of Nagaland. We are immensely grateful to our dedicated national workers who steadfastly serve our nation. May God bless Nagaland. Urra Uvie Adinno Phizo, President, Naga National Council

SPEECH OF DR. SENKA YADEN, PRESIDENT OF NAGA NATIONAL COUNCIL ON THE OCCASION OF THE 61ST NAGA INDEPENDENCE DAY. My Dear Naga People: Today, the 14* of August, 2008 commemorates the 61st anniversary of the declaration of the Naga Independence Day in 1947. I greet you in the name of NNC and proudly join the chartered members in the celebration of the historic day. Independence Day is a good day to examine and contemplate who we are, how we got here, and what we have. It gives us the opportunity to remind us our heritage as we honor the legacy of freedom and sacrifices of our ancestors. It is well for us to recall, remember, and recollect the elements of our characteristics which have made us unique and different at this moment of our history. On this Independence Day, I ask you to make this day a day of refreshing, a day of hope and a day of thanksgiving. Today we honor those who have honored us with their sacrifices for the aspirations of freedom for a better future of the Nagas. We observe this day as a national moment of remembrance and participate in an act of national unity and demonstrate gratitude and respect for those who continue to serve for the betterment of our nation. Today is a day to be thankful and to be inspired Thankful for the release of NNC General Secretary, Vizoselhu Nagi In God's Will our prayers are answered. For we believe that our cause is noble and it is the cause of mankind. On this Independence Day I would like to ask the world to respect our aspiration to make peace with security in the right way- for a lasting peace without violence and pray for the fulfillment of the vision of a better, more peaceful future for the Nagas. This day should serve as a meaning for every Naga as we cannot be consumed by our petty differences. We will be united in our common interests. We want unity, peace, security, and economic prosperity by restoring the legacy of independence, self reliance and sovereignty of our land. Let us forget the tribal quarrels; they exhaust us and risk making us despised abroad. As we proclaim our love for our country, let us engage in a movement through the power of the people, united, one people, one nation. Let us have faith in one another and renew our beliefs in family, friends, faith, and future as an individual that will offer the society and church that trusts, loves, and honors in the potentials of its people who are willing to critically examine its own behavior and its choices. Let this day forever refresh our identity as to who we are and what we want. You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence day every year as birthdays in the life of every nation. Spirit of men must earn and be refreshed or else it will wither and perish. Independence is a chance to better oneself, without freedom, no one has a name. If we despise our own people we have no future. We can no longer afford to worship the God of hate and violence. It is time to stop our land being laid waste and our people living under subnormal socio-economic condition and subverted culture. I encourage every Naga this Independence Day to put aside our differences and remember those who gave their lives to defend our nation, so that we may have the freedom to live how we choose. I express my deepest gratitude to all those working hard to promote and preserve our heritage and identity for generations to come. And I hope that this remembrance will keep us connected as we celebrate the legacy and the perpetuation of the Independence Day. I wish all the Naga people a meaningful and a happy Independence Day Let us reflect and rally as a united people to confront our problems and resolve to overcome in the face of adversity. Let us challenge ourselves to be innovative through the education of science and research to find solutions for the benefit of our country. Join us today in the celebration of the enduring principles of freedom and the spirit of the Nagas on this Naga Independence Day. May God Bless Nagaland. KUKNALIM You can trust the one who calls you to do that for you (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

NSCN (IM) to “celebrate Naga Independence day” Morungexpress

NSCN (IM) to “celebrate Naga Independence day” Morungexpress

Dimapur, August 11 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) will be celebrating its “62nd independence day” on August 14 at its council headquarters Hebron. “All are invited to attend the program which will start at 8.30 am. Cultural dance of different Naga tribes will be displayed” a note from the outfit’s MIP stated.Future Being Gagged By: Geoffery Sangai ExpressWhen a child is born it brings with it the hope that God is not yet annoyed with the man. It is often said that Child is the father of man, Child is the future planner, Child is the future leader of the society etc. Childhood is a state of freedom and playful life full of dreams (present & future). What can be expected form a child who has been exposed to the threat of AK rifles, 9mm Pistol, land mines etc.? Will such a child grow up as a free thinking citizen or a citizen with lack of free thought? Can the future of child or society be bright, where children have been forced to take up arms against threat to their lives? It is obvious that they will be killed/ maimed due to activities of other rebels or killed/apprehended by security forces. Will this result in a progressive or a gloomy society? Internationally, recruitment and use of child soldiers is abhorred. Still there are 17 countries where child soldiers are being used mostly by rebel groups. There is an International convention on the child rights and protocol against recruitment and use child soldiers (i.e. below 18 years) which is applicable both to signatory states and rebel groups. States do adhere to the protocol but rebel groups because it suits them. Children are economic soldiers due to lesser personal needs, lesser food needs and lesser effort required to mould them due to physical and emotional immaturity. North East (NE) region of our nation has been inflicted with insurgency (now terrorism) since India became independent of British yoke. Innumerable numbers of youth (who could be great teachers, great planners, great leaders and great reformers) have lost their lives till date. Still there seems to be no end to this fate. Abductions and kidnapping of children (both sexes) are increasing in the region. Some of these children are recycled in the terrorism affected states (Manipur, Nagaland and Assam) as child soldiers and balance trafficked to distant lands. Children who are recycled are forced to join UG outfits at gun point. Recent case of abductions in Manipur is a live example. United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) has changed its strategy to recruit more from rural areas than urban because it found difficult to handle city lads. Number of missing children in Nagaland is also on the rise (Morung Express date lined 01 Aug 08). In Manipur children had raised their voice against UG activities when teachers and schools were being targetted in the recent past. They demanded to make education a terror free zone, letting them have freedom of study and natural childhood etc. Now the children are being targeted that has larger implications on social system. Effort is to rout out the seeds of progress in society. Probably the fear (of educated and enlightened minds that would not fall prey to misguidance) in the minds of UGs has forced them to resort to uncalled for acts against children. Although both factions of PREPAK (People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak) have denied the charge and claimed it was voluntary enrolment by young children. Recently kidnapped children were also paraded in front of the media to say that they came on their own choice (The Sangai Express date lined 20 Jul 08). Threat of life can force any child (even adults) speak the captor’s language. Some of the children have displayed courage to run away.The innocent children are being used as cannon fodder on front lines to face opposing rebel groups, as couriers to carry explosives and plant bombs etc. Cruel leaders of these groups are unconcerned about safety of innocents. Two small boys were blown up in Tezpur while carrying explosives for ULFA. Besides ULFA is known to use these children for planting bombs for as little as Rs. 100/-. Besides acting as cadres, girls are being used for personal comforts or being married to rebel leaders. Some of the children are so small that length of the weapons is equal to their own height. One of the Burmese child soldier said, “My Gun is tall as me”. Some of the children are drugged to result in state of inculcate false bravado in them. One of the child soldiers of Ugandan army says, “they gave me pills that made me crazy’. When the craziness got in my head, I beat people on their heads and hurt them until they bled. When the craziness got out of my head I felt guilty. If I remembered the person I went to them and apologized. If they did not accept my apology, I felt bad”. Some of the reactions will bring out implications for children, parents and society as a whole. Bipin Chandra (17) a class XII student stopped going to school after an attempted kidnap on him. One of the parents said,” we will not send our children to school till government ensures protection to them” ( Telegraph datelined 20 Jul 08). In one of the rallies in hill districts of Manipur rallyists said, “We heard of the money demands in the past and now we heard of demands for children from school. If this be the case we need to save our future” (Imphal Free Press datelined 01 Aug 08). These reactions reveal avoidable stress of uncertain future on every mind. Making the situation more compound two mothers of abducted kids were also detained by PREPAK (The Sangai Express dateline 22 Jul 08). Now the children of other regions also seem to have joined to request for peaceful life. One of placards carried by a child in Patna read,” Terrorist Uncle! We request you to stop shedding Innocent Blood”.Not withstanding the other social reasons of some of the youth voluntarily joining cadres of the outfits. There is need for Hung Ho approach lest darkness awaits the innocent society of this region. There is a need to shun Politico–UG nexus, Politico-Criminal nexus in favour of Politico- people nexus. Women organizations like Meira Paibis, Assom Mahila Samitis and Naga Mothers Association need to fight this scourge whole heartedly. When they could stand up against the might of British and come out victorious they will definitely win against their own misguided kins. Every leader and every regime and every moment and every civilization that steps across the line to terrorism must be banished from the disclosure of civilized life. -- ‘Alan Keyes’ (readers can reach out to the writer via email: jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co">jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in or post views on jaey-geoffery.blogspot.comLife in an Assam tea garden - like an exciting wildlife safari! AgenciesTINSUKIA, August 11 (Agencies): Have you seen a leopard? No, not those caged in the zoos, but in their wild habitat. If you are a resident of a tea estate here, then you must be prepared to pull up your vehicle every now and then to let these majestic creatures cross the road and meander into the wild. Renowned the world over for its fine quality tea, Assam is dotted with tea gardens. And for a person living in the metro, the tea garden life here is a world totally apart.The Mahakali Tea Estate, nestling close to Tinsukia town in upper Assam and at a distance of more than 500 km from the state's principal two Guwahati, is one such paradise. Away from a city's hustle and bustle and far removed from the honking cars and the screeches on the busy roads, life at the estate is pretty laid back. With its quaint bungalows that house the estate's executives amid lush tea bushes - it's like living cradled in nature's lap.No wonder the union tourism ministry has kick-started many an initiative to promote tea-tourism that will have tourists visiting tea gardens, the factories where their morning cuppa comes from, stay in the bungalows and enjoy a few days of the quiet life. While enjoying a green and balmy life is one thing, sitting up to the growls of the big cat is quite another. To reach the Mahakali Tea Estate, one has to take a 1.5 km ride through the tropical semi-evergreen Borajan Forest Reserve. The reserve is well known as the home of the endangered Hoolock gibbons, some 6,400 of which are left in the world, according to experts. While it may be routine for people living on the estate, for an outsider, taking the bumpy ride through the woods, with birds, wolves and monkeys creating a cacophony around is much like a wildlife safari.And if one visits the estate during the monsoon, when certain portions tend to get flooded, it is not unusual to stop dead in your tracks to let a leopard leap across the path just a foot or two away. Ziaur Rahman, the resident doctor of the tea garden, while narrating one such episode told IANS: "It was about seven in the evening when I was driving through the forest road to go to the town when my wife suddenly spotted a leopard a few feet away from our car."While I stopped immediately, the leopard, not looking the least bit alarmed, crossed the road at its own pace and disappeared into the forest," Rahman added. Incidents such as these, are however, not unusual for the estate community. Bharati Jacob, who plucks tea leaves in the garden, said last winter her goat was dragged out of its shed by a leopard and eaten in the nearby woods. "We have to be extra careful during the monsoon because then the forest tends to get flooded and the animals come closer to the human habitation and attack domestic animals," Jacob added.Adhiraj Barman, who works in the factory of the tea estate, said the bright side to the story is that the animal doesn't attack human beings. "The other day my colleague and myself were returning home on our bikes in the evening when we spotted a leopard with its cubs. They quietly made an exit into the forest. "No matter how many times you see them, that sense of fear mingled with thrill is always the same," Barman maintained. Besides the big cats, the tea estate often has wild elephants stopping by, especially in winter."It's not uncommon to have wild elephants from the nearby forest visiting the paddy fields in winter, and more often than not, wreaking havoc," Barman said. "They also love corn and sugarcane and quite often enter people's backyards in search of these," he added. While most of these animals are chased away with the beating of drums and the lighting of fires, the doors are thrown open for some other animals - like a pony that was found abandoned in the garden and adopted by the management. And, a flying squirrel (remember the animation film "Madagascar"?) now has a new home in an official's bungalow. Rescuing the poor little nocturnal animal from the hands of a labourer of the tea garden, a tea estate official brought it back home. Now, it happily glides all over the drawing room!

Absu black flag OUR CORRESPONDENT The TelegraphKokrajhar, Aug. 11: The All Bodo Students’ Union (Absu) observed “sorrow day” today in protest against the government’s failure to solve the problems plaguing Bodo medium students.The president of the student’s union, Rwngwra Narzary, hoisted the Absu flag at half mast at Kokrajhar Govt College and the students wore black badges in educational institutions throughout the state. The next phase of agitation will be a three-hour dharna in front of the Block Elementary Education offices on August 29.The Absu’s demands include creation of a separate directorate of education for Bodo medium institutions with a separate budget, provincialisation of all Bodo medium lower primary, middle English and high schools, appointment of Bodo SIs and DIs in tribal areas of Assam, filling up of vacant posts in schools, appointment of Bodo lecturers and subject teachers in Dibrugarh and Silchar universities and higher secondary schools, enhancement of ST scholarships, establishmentof a central university at Kokrajhar and establishment of medical, engineering, veterinary colleges in Bodoland.There are 945 lower primary, 363 medium English and 180 high Bodo venture schools in Assam. Moreover, as many as 458 lower primary, 312 medium English and 163 high schools have no regular posts of teachers for the Bodo language.

Nagaland: Crimes against Humanity must be stopped.NISC Press release

A Naga International Support Center, NISC, www.nagalim.nlA human rights organizationPress ReleaseAmsterdam, August 10 2008Nagaland: Crimes against Humanity must be stopped.Those in Nagaland responsible for committing these Crimes against Humanity must be apprehended; those responsible for harboring the culprits must be held accountable In sharp contrast to Peoples themselves the Government of India is convinced that the Nagas of the states of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur are part and parcel of India. With respect to that the Government of India is responsible for upholding justice and peace. Yet, it tolerates designated camps of fighters with which it has agreed to a cease fire and let them operate freely; even if these fighters openly declare war on an entire tribe.The Khaplang Group served the Tangkhul Tribe with a quit notice and in the wake of that many a Tangkhul and members of other tribes have been mercilessly killed. Because the designated camps of the Khaplang group are protected by Government Forces both the state Governments of the stated mentioned as well as the Central Government of India in Delhi are directly accountable for tolerating these culprits to operate in this despicable manner.Therefore:The Naga International Support Center urges the Government of India to drastically change its policies, to severe its ties with those it has protected and to restore law and order in the land of the Nagas. The Naga International Support Center also calls on the Security Council of the United Nations Organization and stresses imminent intervention is needed. Even though a relatively small conflict this conflict, due to crimes against humanity being committed, will spin out of control with insurmountable repercussions long term psychological as a result. And this with a decade old peace talks aimed at reaching an honorable solution. When the Government of India does not control the horrific situation Crimes against Humanity will persist and long lasting psychological scars will be the heritage of future generations Nagas; ethnic cleansing and indiscriminate killing are Crimes against Humanity.For further information nisc@nagalim.nl">nisc@nagalim.nl or visit our website www.nagalim.nl

Seen on stage is Mungtsü, one of the 5 talented Yimchunger designers, along with the tiny tots, the models for their designer wear, during a programme at Old Showuba village. (Morung Photos/Zakir Hussain) Dimapur | August 10 : Old Showuba Village under Kuhuboto block of Dimapur district is home to 5 (five) extremely talented designers – Mungtsü, Aso, Kamso, Amongla and Lily. None of them have any formal fashion degree/diploma whatsoever. But they have not let this hamper their creativity which is visible through the various outfits that the five have designed.The five youths including a male, Mungtsü, belong to the Yimchunger Naga tribe. After completing their formal education in different fields, the group took to designing western wear with a unique Naga traditional touch – especially of the Yimchunger tribe. Despite having presented a number of their designed clothes only in local fashion shows, the accolades they have received after the shows have pushed them to continue with their designing streak and drive them towards more creativity.While talking to The Morung Express on the sidelines of the Metümneo festival celebrations held at Diphupar village recently, Mungtsü said the idea behind the endeavour is to promote and present Yimchunger traditional outfits through western clothes. He maintained that the idea is to uphold and preserve the age-old tradition which is fast declining in the present generation who prefer western garments rather than traditional outfits.The group disclosed that festivals and students’ conferences serve as the best platform where they can exhibit their designs to the people. Apart from such events, the group on invitation has also visited Tuensang district to showcase their collections. Though the work is very tiring, the group mostly depends on manual work rather than machines to give an authentic touch to the outfits that requires patience and primarily creative skills. Stating about various items used in the designing of outfits, they said ‘mekhelas’ and ‘shawls’ are the major features of their design, besides traditional stones and necklaces. The group spends about Rs.2,000 to Rs.3,000 per ‘mekhela’ and ‘shawl’ while purchasing them to recreate their designs. They mainly use red and black shades in their outfits. During the advent of programmes, the group spends most of the time together exploring new ideas to design their outfits.Expressing hope that this endeavour would encourage other tribes too, the group said they are happy to see their initiative brightly upholding the traditions of the tribe in a fast changing world. The group also firmly believes that ‘tradition is the identity of an individual.’ Apart from making ‘mekhelas’ and ‘shawls’, they also design dresses. Their products however are not for sale at the moment but are available only on rental. They feel that they would not get the right amount that they deserve while making those dresses due to the high production costs.Disappointingly, the group does not have any permanent showroom in the village where they can exhibit their designed outfits. Meanwhile, Mungtsü also said that as of yet they have made no such decision to open a showroom to sell their outfits adding, “We lack sponsorship.” The group most importantly believes that one should not forget the traditional values and must not get carried away by western culture.Factional clashes takes toll on Hongkong Market morungexpress Dimapur, August 9 (Agencies): With continuing clashes between secessionist groups and fresh taxes, both legal and illegal, plus the added weight of taxes and extortions, business establishments in this commercial hub of Northeastern India are being squeezed dry. The closely packed Hongkong Market, which earlier used to attract shoppers and traders, not only from all over Nagaland, but also from Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, now wear a desolate look while customers are scared to venture out.Hongkong Market alone used to attract over 15 percent of all shoppers from Nagaland. But now, shopkeepers in Hongkong Market told IANS that sales have fallen 30-40 percent due to the volatile situation in the state, particularly in Dimapur. With business prospects looking bleak, some Tibetan traders have already left town. There used to be over 100 Tibetan families living and doing business in Dimapur, but now the number has come down to about 60. S. Dorjee, President, Tibetan Association Hongkong Market, agreed that some families have left Dimapur. However, he said the reason was “heavy market competition and slowing down of business” rather than the security situation, extortion or intimidation. “People feel Hongkong Market belongs to Tibetans, but we are actually a minority here. There is now stiff market competition here and business has become bleak. So, some traders have left for greener pastures”, he said.But shopkeepers who do not wish to be identified say three to four underground secessionist groups are collecting “taxes” from business establishments in Dimapur, though collections in the form of donations to various unions or associations have gone down due to strict checks by the district administration and student bodies. The overall security situation has deteriorated due to fighting between various secessionist groups. The official death toll in clashes between various National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) factions in the last six months has crossed 70. This includes one Nagaland Armed Police constable and seven civilians. The unofficial toll is far higher. The result is an atmosphere of fear in which people shop only when they must, not a situation conducive to the development of a market.A time for Introspection and Retrospection Sevotso Seyie MorungWe, the Nagas as any other social human race, also want peace and unity to prevail in our land, as it is the key to the well being of both an individual and the society at large. Thus, it is a well known fact that without peace and unity, human existence will be at stake and there can neither be social harmony nor tranquility. And in such a scenario, human resource development cannot take place to its potentiality of yielding to progress and prosperity of an individual and the society. This perilous situation is inevitability and a reality that confronts our Naga Society of today. Hence, having sensed the short falls and the impending consequences against our society’s survival, we, the Nagas have been praying vigorously for the elusive peace and unity for so long. But unfortunately and regrettably, peace and unity has been eluding us and has become only a mirage. Therefore, the sooner the better for us to introspect and retrospect as to why peace and unity have been eluding us and our land inspite of the vigorous attempts and proclamations by the State Government, various civil based NGOs/Societies and the general public. It is imperative that we introspect and retrospect, find out from where we have gone wrong and with due sincerity and urgency, take up corrective measures lest we and our future generations be doomed.It is a fact that peace and unity cannot come from a foreign land not from above, but it has to come from within one’s habitation and society alone. Therefore, there surely be some lacunae on our part somewhere in our pursuance of true peace and unity in our land. In this connection, if I may say so, it seems that while pursuing for peace and unity, pretension overtakes conscience, falsehood overtakes truth, envy overtakes honesty and above all, money power overtakes humanism, as is evident in that all efforts are proving futile and the more we pursue and proclaim for peace and unity, the greater the gravity of violence and killings being witnessed. Infact, all of us are seemed to have fallen short in our quest. In Nagaland, the general public is marred and being manipulated beyond comprehension in the midst of the external and internal aggressive forces causing turmoil in everyday life. The repeated calls to all the factions of National workers for reconciliation, peace & unity has fallen on deaf ears wherein unabated lust and shedding of blood continues unaccounted, as the State Government has succumbed to pressures and become a powerless spectator.As Christian, we Nagas as a whole have been crying and praying at the top of our voices for peace and unity, yet Almighty God too seemed least bothered to answer our prayers, as maybe our prayers lack faith and repentance. Therefore, perhaps, our way of living, thinking and deeds might not be in accordance with and contrary to His liking. We, probably might have fully gone against Almighty’s will and wishes in every aspect of our life. As a consequence, perhaps, unleasing of violence, various crimes and inhuman acts, kidnapping and killings etc or in other words, the present turmoil, trials and tribulations in our society could be the wrath and anger of Almighty God that has befallen upon us. Who knows, the Nagas might have become a rusted race in the eye of Almighty God and therefore, were being left to live in wilderness and at the mercy of evil.Therefore, the present untold human miseries and turmoil’s that confront us should be everybody’s responsibility. We ought to visualize and seek the truth of where we have gone wrong and thereby, take up corrective measures and initiatives based on truth, principle and sincerity. Here without hesitation, I should say that the greater onus and responsibility lies with the State Government, the civil based NGO’s/Societies, the intellectual group and the church as these bodies possess a greater role and power to display.I this regard, it should be point out that:a) The factions are lacking forgiveness and universal brotherhood.b) The Civil based NGO’s/Societies lacks courage and sincerity.c) The intellectual group lacks guts and initiative.d) Above all, the State Government lacks power and neutrality which is the most regrettable and conspicuous blunder. Therefore, the need of the hour is to awake our good senses, shows concern and thereby, look forward to jointly correct and re-build our society with our heart and soul based on truth, lest peace and unity will completely elude us, wherein a day might come where our society might be fragmented into pieces beyond repair, where we might be left far off behind in this race towards civilization, modernity, progress and prosperity.Assam sound maximum security alert AgenciesGuwahati, August 10 (Agencies): Indian authorities in northeastern Assam state on Sunday sounded a maximum security alert with reports that a local separatist group was planning violent strikes by outsourcing hired foreign mercenaries ahead of Independence day, officials said. A police spokesman said there were intelligence inputs that the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) was planning to outsource terror by taking the help of terrorists to carry out violent strikes in Assam."It may be possible that the ULFA could hire mercenaries or take the help of Jehadi elements, including Bangladesh based the HUJI (Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami), to carry out terror strikes in Assam ahead of Aug 15," Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, Inspector General of Assam Police (Law and Order), said. The police official said the idea to outsource terror was necessitated with local cadres of the ULFA allegedly refusing to carry out bombings in crowded places."We have definite reports that local ULFA cadres were not at all willing to inflict casualties on civilians and hence the ULFA leadership could use hired bombers or take the help of Jehadi elements to strike at crowded places or vital installations in the state," Mahanta said. The official said the porous border that Assam shares with Bangladesh was a possible entry point for Jehadi forces to penetrate into the state and carry out strikes."We have sounded a maximum alert to foil such attempts and have also asked the public to be on guard and report any such movement of suspicious people or objects to the police for necessary action," the police official said. The official said the ULFA, fighting for an independent homeland since 1979, was desperately trying to make its presence felt by carrying out some violent strikes after the outfit faced heavy reverses with two of its potent striking units declaring a unilateral ceasefire in June. More than 50,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in the northeast since India's independence in 1947.

Koch Rajbongshis seek AASU help on ST issue Correspondent Assam Tribune KALAIGAON, Aug 10 – The All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Yuba Chatra Sanmilani has urged AASU to offer unconditional support to the six ethnic groups’ demand for ST status and for finding a permanent solution to deport illegal migrants from Assam.

According to Makesh Deka, secretary of All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Yuba Chatra Sanmilani, AASU alone can never be successful in the matter of deporting illegal migrants from Assam unless other ethnic groups of the State offer their support.

According to him, the present agitational programme of the AASU, following the verdict of the Gauhati High Court, is nothing new but an effort to gain mileage. He further said that AASU had never been serious enough for finding a permanent solution to the foreigners issue, but had taken the emotions of the Assamese people for granted for their own survival.

A press release described the actions of AASU as conspiracies to sideline the genuine demands of the six ethnic groups of Assam.

The Sanmilani urged AASU to make their stand clear on the definition of ‘Assamese’ first.HUJI may strike Asom, alert sounded Sentinel(PTI)GUWAHATI, Aug 9: Amidst intelligence inputs about jehadi elements led by Bangladesh-based Harkat-Ul-Jehadi Islami (HUJI) striking a pact with the ULFA in the run-up to Independence Day, security alerts have been sounded in Asom and trains running at night have been suspended.Official sources said, the Centre has also been alerting the State Government about the HUJI likely to strike Asom, and the police has also sent alert notices to its forces to thwart such attacks.Police stations were put on maximum alert, intensive counter-insurgency operations launched and patrolling stepped up in vulnerable areas, vital installations, religious places and I-Day parade grounds.The HUJI had conspired to strike possibly with other jehadi groups abroad to create terror in India and despatched a group of bomb experts to execute their plan by triggering improvised explosive devises (IEDs) and car bombs in Guwahati, the sources said.Stating the recent recovery of explosives from different parts of the State pointed to a HUJI scheme, the sources said, the recent serial blasts in Bangaluru and Ahmedabad as well as the arrest of 15 HUJI members and sympathizers raised the threat perception.The HUJI activists from time to time use the Indo-Bangladesh border at Karimganj in Asom to enter before fanning out to other parts of the country, the sources said.Desperate to establish its existence in the face of its elite strike force 28 Battalion's A and C companies declaring unilateral ceasefire considerably weakening it, the sources said, the banned outfit could make attempts to explode bombs in connivance with the HUJI. HUJI may strike Asom, alert sounded Sentinel(PTI)GUWAHATI, Aug 9: Amidst intelligence inputs about jehadi elements led by Bangladesh-based Harkat-Ul-Jehadi Islami (HUJI) striking a pact with the ULFA in the run-up to Independence Day, security alerts have been sounded in Asom and trains running at night have been suspended.Official sources said, the Centre has also been alerting the State Government about the HUJI likely to strike Asom, and the police has also sent alert notices to its forces to thwart such attacks.Police stations were put on maximum alert, intensive counter-insurgency operations launched and patrolling stepped up in vulnerable areas, vital installations, religious places and I-Day parade grounds.The HUJI had conspired to strike possibly with other jehadi groups abroad to create terror in India and despatched a group of bomb experts to execute their plan by triggering improvised explosive devises (IEDs) and car bombs in Guwahati, the sources said.Stating the recent recovery of explosives from different parts of the State pointed to a HUJI scheme, the sources said, the recent serial blasts in Bangaluru and Ahmedabad as well as the arrest of 15 HUJI members and sympathizers raised the threat perception.The HUJI activists from time to time use the Indo-Bangladesh border at Karimganj in Asom to enter before fanning out to other parts of the country, the sources said.Desperate to establish its existence in the face of its elite strike force 28 Battalion's A and C companies declaring unilateral ceasefire considerably weakening it, the sources said, the banned outfit could make attempts to explode bombs in connivance with the HUJI. Burmese activists and supporters remember '8.8.88' protests Solomon Mizzima

New Delhi - Burmese activists and international supporters across the globe on Friday held commemorations of the 20th anniversary of the popular '8.8.88' uprising, which its military rulers brutally crushed, killing at least 3000 protestors.

While in many parts of the world Burmese activists and their supporters held protests, some held commemorative functions, as well as photo exhibitions on last years September protests and impacts of Cyclone Nargis that hit Burma in early May.

Activists urged international community to escalate pressure on the Burmese junta, which ruled the country since 1962 and demanded the release of political prisoners including pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

The twentieth anniversary of the August 8, 1988 democracy protests, were observed with demonstrations by activists in several countries including Malaysia, India, Korea, Japan, Thailand and United States.

New Delhi, India Nearly 200 Burmese nationals in New Delhi held a brief protest in commemoration of the August 8, 1988 mass uprising.

"We are upholding the spirit of '8888' and we demand democracy in our country," said, Yan Paing Soe, a youth member of the National League for Democracy – Liberated Area, the group that organized the protest.

In another event, Burmese democracy activists along with Indian supporters held conference in remembrance of the Burmese democracy struggle that largely came to be known since August 8, 1988.

Besides, a New York based Global Justice Center, in collaboration with Burmese 88 generation students, International Burmese Monks Organization (IBMO), US Campaign for Burma and supporters also held a commemorative talk in New Delhi.

Tokyo, Japan In Tokyo, more than 1,000 Burmese nationals from several exiled political parties marched around the city for over an hour walking and held a brief demonstration in front of the Burmese embassy.

Myat Thu, an activist involved in organizing the program said, "We held a brief demonstration in front of the Burmese embassy and demanded for the release of all political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and to begin dialogue and to immediately convene the peoples parliament."

Demonstrators also shouted slogans that call on Burma's military rulers 'to stop killing and abusing the Burmese people' and urged the international community to intervene and pressure for changes in the country.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia In Malaysia's capital city of Kuala Lumpur, over 100 Burmese activists demonstrated in front of the Burmese Embassy in commemoration of the '8888' uprising.

"We marched to the Burmese Embassy and held a brief 30 minutes protest," said Ye Min Htun, an activist who involved in organizing the protest.

He said, the activists were only allowed to hold protest for half an hour as the security situation in Kuala Lumpur is unfavorable.

But the Burmese activist said, they were able to show the people of the struggle for democracy in Burma through a photo exhibition on the August 8, 1988 mass uprising.

Seoul, Korea In Seoul, members of exiled National League for Democracy – Liberated Area led a protest in front of the Burmese Embassy and were able to give a press conference to the local media.

"We are able explain about what happens in 1988 August 8 protest and tell the people of the situation now in Burma after twenty years of the protests and we call on the people to help Burmese people to achieve democracy and justice in Burma," said Zaw Moe Aung ,spokesman of the NLD-LA in Korea.

Mae Sod, Thailand In the Thai-Burmese border town of Mae Sod, a place where United States' first lady Laura Bush had visited on the previous day to meet with Burmese refugees, pro-democracy activists held a commemorative function of the 20th anniversary of August 8, 1988 mass demonstration in Burma.

"We need to move forward by upholding the spirit of 1988 in our struggle for freedom from the brutal military dictators," said Min Naing, foreign affairs representative of the All Burmese Students Federation Union (ABSFU).

Activists also held arts and photos exhibition on the '8888' protest and September 2007 protests at the Programme attended by over 300 activists and migrant workers.

In a separate event, in Mea Tao Clinic, prayer services were held for those people killed by the military junta since the 1988 uprising and through out the twenty years of struggle.

"We want to create more awareness among the clinic staffs and the patients on the situation of our country both of the past and the present," said Aye Lwin, an office in-charge of the clinic.

Singapore In Singapore, with restrictions imposed by the government, Burmese people were unable to hold a demonstration but held prayer services for the people those are killed during the protests in 1988 and in 2007 September.

"The event was held at the City hall and there are many people joining us," said an activist, who did not want to be named.

Factional clashes take toll on N-E business hub Economic Times

Factional clashes take toll on N-E business hub Economic Times

DIMAPUR-NAGALAND: With continuing clashes between secessionist groups and fresh taxes, both legal and illegal, plus the added weight of taxes and extortions, business establishments in this commercial hub of northeastern India are being squeezed dry. The closely packed Hongkong Market, which earlier used to attract shoppers and traders not only from all over Nagaland but also from Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, now wears a desolate look. Customers are scared to venture out.

Hongkong Market alone used to attract over 15 percent of all shoppers Nagaland. But now, shopkeepers in Hongkong Market say that sales have fallen 30-40 percent due to the volatile situation in the state, particularly in Dimapur. With business prospects looking bleak, some Tibetan traders have already left town. There used to be over 100 Tibetan families living and doing business in Dimapur.

The number has come down to about 60. S Dorjee, president, Tibetan Association Hongkong Market, agreed that some families have left Dimapur. However, he said the reason was “heavy market competition and slowing down of business” rather than the security situation, extortion or intimidation. ' “People feel Hongkong Market belongs to Tibetans, but we are actually a minority here. There is stiff market competition here now and business has become bleak. So, some traders have left for greener pastures,” he said. But shopkeepers say three to four underground secessionist groups are collecting “taxes” from business establishments in Dimapur, though collections in the form of donations to various unions or associations have gone down due to strict checks by the district administration and student bodies.

The overall security situation has deteriorated due to the fighting between various secessionist groups. The official death toll in clashes between various National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) factions in the last six months has crossed 70. This includes one Nagaland Armed Police constable and seven civilians. AWO questions factions’ diktats By NPN | Nagaland Post Dimapur09/08/2008 Taking serious note of the factional clashes and killings, extortions, threats, banning of civil organizations and serving of quit notices by underground factions, the Angami Women Organisation (AWO) has questioned the factions whether autocratic diktat’s, atrocities and generally terrorizing Naga civilians, which had been the domain of the Indian army and her soldier’s, had crept into the attitude and vocabulary of the factions and their leaders.AWO in a press release issued by its president Medovino Dolie and vice president Thinuokhrieü Tseikhanuo termed such seeming “courage” as “hubris, an act against God that could not succeed or last.” “In the name of our nation you profess to fight our cause, we do not question how much or less, nor do we ask how true or false the claim. Yet when your deeds and means endanger the intrinsic fibre and values of our tribes, which was the genesis for our statement of belief for independence, then what culture and cause is there left to defend or fight for?” AWO asked.AWO also pointed out that in the present trying times when the people of Nagaland were governed by an Indian interpretation of democracy where, five percent of the population who are employed consume eighty percent of the fund, the least the public deserved from an “underground movement for liberation is a just governance and the safe-guarding of every man, woman and child.”NSCN asked to lift ban on Sumi Hohos CORRESPONDENT The TelegraphKohima, Aug. 8: Several organisations have appealed to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) to withdraw the ban it has imposed on the Sumi Hoho and Western Sumi Hoho, accusing them to be in cahoots with its rival, the Khaplang faction. Naga Hoho, Ao Senden (Hoho), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Konyak Hoho, Tangkhul Hoho, Angami Public Organisation and Chakhesang Public Organisations have separately appealed to the NSCN (I-M) to withdraw the ban in the larger interest of Nagas and accelerate the ongoing reconciliation and unity process. The ban, which could lead to a confrontation between a section of the Sumi community loyal to the Hoho and the NSCN (I-M), will affect the ongoing efforts to unite various Naga militant groups. Since Sumi Hoho is an influential organisation, the NSCN (I-M) will not have the Sumi tribe’s support. It could even mean more of a bloodbath. The Naga Hoho said differences should be sorted out through dialogue. “Both Sumi Hohos and the NSCN (I-M) should sit across the table and resolve the differences.” Ao Senden and the NSF also echoed the same views urging the NSCN (I-M) to concede to the appeals of the Naga people. Several other Naga tribal Hohos and organisations expressed regret over the ban and appealed for its immediate revocation. The outfit said this ban would continue indefinitely till members of the two Hohos mend their ways. But Sumi Hoho president Hokishe Yepthomi said the Sumi organisations were trying to be neutral and the NSCN (I-M)’s accusation was regrettable. He said the unification process initiated and propagated by the Sumi Hoho and Western Sumi Hoho is inclusive of all Nagas. Though Yepthomi believed in broad-based unification irrespective of artificial boundaries, the NSCN (I-M) said the two organisations, in nexus with the NSCN (K), were against integration of Naga contiguous areas. The Sumi Hoho said it would not attend the third Naga reconciliation summit at Chiang Mai from August 17. The Peace Affairs Committee of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) has also appealed to the outfit to revoke the ban. The chairman of committee, T.M. Lotha, appealed to the outfit to carry forward the ongoing reconciliation and unification process. The Chakhesang Public Organisation said at this juncture when all organisations and Hohos are working for peace, unity and reconciliation for the “Naga national interest”, banning or sidelining certain sections cannot be conducive to achieving “our goal”. “We cannot build a nation with a divided house, what we need now is unity, tolerance, forgiveness and dialogue, which are the cornerstones of a united, civilised society,” the organisation said.For peace in Nagaland, dialogue among Nagas must succeed’ Sanjoy Hazarika SentinelFor months, the fragile peace in the Naga Hills has been shattered by internecine conflict. This is ironical because the ceasefires between the Government of India and its armed forces, including the paramilitary, and the two factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (or Nagaland) -- the group led by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah and that headed by S.S. Khaplang -- remain in place.These represent in fact among the oldest ceasefires anywhere in South Asia between armed groups, purportedly fighting for “sovereignty”, and a national Government. Yet, these peace pacts with the government have not translated to a real calm in the villages and towns of Nagaland. The reasons are mired in a complex history that embraces ethnicity, demands and concepts of nationality as well as deep divisions along tribal and factional lines.Violence is not new to Nagaland - it was here that the Japanese invasion of World War II was stalled and then turned back, on the tennis courts of the Kohima Deputy Commissioner, as is historically known. Those courts are one of the most frequently visited sites of the northeast with relatives of the fallen, retired soldiers and ordinary visitors coming to pay homage to those who laid down their lives, their sacrifice marked by a low tombstone with the name of the fighter; there are some who remain unknown till this day.Violence erupted again in the 1950s with the uprising for independence led by A.Z. Phizo and his Naga National Council, which brought the full force of the Indian State against the movement. Soon after fighting erupted, parliament passed the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in 1958 which remains the legal sword arm and shield of the security forces in battling insurgency as well as dominating and intimidating the lives of people in many parts of the region - after all it no longer applies only to Nagaland (which was carved out of Assam in 1963) but to at least three other states of the region: Assam, Manipur and Tripura.There were two ceasefires beyond the current one - one in the 1960s and then another which followed the Shillong Accord of 1975 which brought one group of Naga fighters into the system. But Muivah and Swu stood firm along with Khaplang, their comrade in western Burma (Myanmar), and forced a split in the NNC, one which gave birth to the NSCN. This group split again in 1988 with Swu and Muivah on one side and Khaplang on the other. Both groups have remained embittered foes for 20 years, with cadres from either hunting down members and supporters of the other.In between, the Nagas established connections and training facilities as well as arms supplies with China and Pakistan. The relationship with China came to an end in 1976 although an informal arrangement appeared to have continued well into the 1990s.In 1996, a fresh ceasefire came into place between New Delhi and the I-M group (Isak-Muivah) while another separate one followed with Khaplang’s organisation, much derided by the former as a cat's paw of Indian intelligence agencies. Such was the bitterness between the two that the I-M has consistently held that it would break off negotiations with the Government of India should the latter begin formal talks with the Khaplang group.But the standstill agreement between the Indian armed forces and the two factions has not translated into peace in the field, as was widely hoped. The guns did not fall silent because Naga fighters turned on each other, seeking to establish supremacy. For several years, it appeared that the K group was getting the worst of the exchanges but from the end of last year, amid charges of central involvement, a new factor emerged: the Unification faction, which had broken away from the parent group, the I-M, and allied with the K. Pitched gun battles followed in the district headquarters and the largest urban centre of Nagaland, Dimapur, and its surrounding areas were the scene of some protracted and bitter fighting; in one incident, an outraged mob ransacked and torched an entire colony where many Tangkhuls, members of Muivah's tribe, lived.Till date, no fewer than 70 fighters from either side have died in the clashes. For much of the time, the central forces have been either passive onlookers, reluctant to be involved in peacekeeping between the factions, or simply have looked the other way. The head of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG), which was to review the peace between the Indian state and the I-M, was forced to quit amid bitter charges that he was on the side of Muivah’s men. His replacement by the centre was rejected by the I-M leadership, saying they had not been consulted.All this time, civil society groups and especially church leaders counselled not just restraint but also reconciliation between the factions and the tribes. Why the latter? Because the Naga tribes - there are 16 of them in the State alone and another 20-odd in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam not to speak of Myanmar - have been long divided along factional lines, with ethnic splits often dominating and indeed defining approaches and strategy as well as issues themselves.As this went on, a group of well wishers from abroad, especially from the Quaker movement of the UK and the Baptist church of the US, enabled what were regarded as path breaking meetings in Chiang Mai, the hill town in Thailand, between the two major factions. A new organisation, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) under the leadership of the Rev Wati Aier, one of the State’s most respected church leaders and theologians, took the lead here. By this time, the Unification wing had morphed into the Khaplang faction although some members later returned to the I-M.There was a Chiang Mai declaration that called for reconciliation. Yet, even as it was issued, bloody gunfights and clashes erupted between the factions, belying both hope and opportunity. The ground reality characterised by bitterness and mutual suspicion was far too deep to be resolved by idealism and even gestures of goodwill.The struggle for power dominates. In one incident, an entire camp of the Khaplang group was stormed by I-M soldiers. The I-M even “banned” two Sumi (Sema) tribe organisations, prompting the FNR to declare that the “common cause of reconciliation” should be safeguarded and that “violence, threats, notices, bans, however justified”, needed to be stopped. But even that carries little weight with the I-M: it has declared that no civil societies should consider themselves “greater” than the “national freedom organisation, which has carried the national burden for more than 50 years”.As the conflict continues to escalate, the principal actor, New Delhi, is sitting smugly in the wings, waiting for the next round of talks with the I-M and watching the rival factions battle it out. Yet, it is unacceptable that security forces continue to largely twiddle their thumbs in the face of a visible breakdown of law and order in the state. What is required is far more robust peacekeeping by government forces. This must not be confused with the peace seekers, the civil society groups and the church, who must continue to press for a just and durable peace. Yet violations of the law, by whichever group, should be met with the force of existing laws within the domain.The Centre’s approach underlines two grim political realities: one, that to “democratic” India, the Naga issue and much of the problems of the North-east, barring possibly that of illegal migration from Bangladesh, represent irritants at best; they may cost lives but are not threatening the stability of the State. The second is that numbers or size count. The population of the entire state of Nagaland could easily fit into a small district of Uttar Pradesh or Bihar. There is just one Naga MP from the State out of 542.Thus, the persistent pressure that Pakistan exerts on Kashmir and the LoC, the battle to win the nuclear deal at the Nuclear Suppliers Group before moving it through the US Senate are, to India, far more significant issues, not to speak of winning the parliamentary confidence vote.Frustration over the lack of progress in the talks is growing on the Naga side. However, they have probably also realised that sovereignty is not in the picture nor is the ideal of a larger Naga territory, sliced from three neighbouring States, getting any closer because of the political backlash it invites from Manipur, Assam and Arunachal. Perhaps it is better to think of an interim settlement that allows, as India suggested to China in the case of Arunachal, existing settlements to continue undisturbed. In the meantime, an all-party committee, with representation from the Naga side (both government and the armed groups) as well as the three states to look at claims and counter-claims, headed by a jurist with knowledge of the area could be important.However, before all this can take off, the Naga groups need to develop a working relationship that would ensure equality but also promote cooperation through transparency. For political dialogues to succeed with New Delhi, dialogue among the Nagas must first succeed.AR accused of thrashing civilians By Our Staff Reporter Sangai ExpressIMPHAL, Aug 9: On the charge of having relations with the proscribed PREPAK, three youths from Thoubal were reportedly picked up by troops of 34 Assam Rifles. The three youths were beaten severe-ly by the AR personnel and were released later.Not only that, the AR personnel reportedly told the three youths that some more people would also be picked up. On learning the AR’s intention, the local people have been caught in a panicky situation. Disturbed and apprehensive as they are, the local people of Thoubal submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister O Ibobi demanding to book the miscreants who provided false in- formation to security forces within five days.Akoijam Sonek (27) s/o Madhumangol of Thoubal Mayai Leikai and his te-nents––Naorem Premku- mar (24) and Y Santakumar (24) who did carpentary works there were pulled up by troops of 34 AR at aabout 1.30 am of August 4.Talking to media persons, Sonek said that there was one masked man who spoke Manipuri among the AR personnel. The masked man reportedly said to him, “Aren’t you a cadre of the PREPAK ? Why you are behaving in haughty manner in the locality?”, recounted Sonek.Premkumar and Santaku-mar belong to Kakching Mayai Leikai. Staying at the rented rooms of Sonek, they were working in the carpen-tary shop run by one W Ingocha at Thoubal Keithel.In connection with the arrest of the three youths, a public meeting was held at Thoubal Keithel on August 7 during which several resolutions were adopted.Submission of complaint letters to the DC and SP on picking up and thrashing in-nocent people by Assam Rifles, expulsion of the individual from the locality in case the three youths were pulled up on false information he fed to Assam Rifles and prohibiting stay of unidentified persons in the locality were some of the resolutions adopted in the meeting.On the other hand, condemning the Assam Rifles alleged act of picking up and thrashing innocent youths, a protest sitting was staged at Thoubal Sekpi Khongnang Khong today.KYKL-UNLF on Heirok Sangai Expres IMPHAL, Aug 9: The proscribed KYKL and UNLF have announced that there would be no further re-laxation regarding restric- tions imposed on move-ment of people of Heirok after the first two rounds of relaxation owing to appeal by womenfolk of Heirok.In a joint statement, secretary of publicity and re- search of KYKL Langamba Mangang and deputy se-cretary organisation of UNLF N Ibochou explained that the decision has been taken as the people of Hei-rok have not been able to stop the move being made to set up SPO by the Ibobi-led Government in conni- vance with some vested interest people and some of the JAC members who were earlier opposed to SPO have started adopting anti-people stand on the issue after Ibobi charmed them with offer of Rs 3-4 crores for construction of barrack for the SPOs.Reimposition of the restriction with immediate effect has become inevitable to stop what is going on in Heirok, the joint statement declared.Accordingly, the state-ment maintained, none of the villagers including students should venture out of Heirok, go to work in paddy field or gather fire woods from the hills located out-side Heirok. It further said that no student from Heirok should study in schools/college/university located outside Heirok and the authorities concerned should ensure they are denied such facili-ties. None of the residents of Heirok including stude-nts be allowed to stay in rented room or hostel in any part of theNorth eastern region, outsiders should not go to Heirok, people from Heirok working elsewhere should come back to Heirok, employees from other places posting in Heirok should return back and there should not be any socio-religious interaction between the people of Heirok and other places, the joint statement said, adding that anybody who defy these restrictions should be targeted without any clemency. Innocence : A crime in Manipur?By N ArunkumarRandom killings, vendetta killings, fratricidal killings, killings for this, killings for that and where are the killing fields? It seems like killing has now become a passion among the peace loving people of our land. Can anything be more ironical than that? We are shouting at the top of our vocal chords, that we are peace loving, but not a day passes by without some or the other form of murder in our midst. We have killed even peace in the process of trying to push forward the delusion of being a peace loving race of people. If the devil won’t get you, the angel will? Each passing day is becoming thornier to live, for us. To make matters worse, in the name of counter insurgency operations, the administration also seems to be at its wit end to define the boundary between the rogue and the innocent.Mostly however, it is the innocents who are being targeted by the assassins in uniform and being put to sleep. Whistle blowers are then threatened with dire consequences if they dare to rake up an issue of such encounter killings too. The commando units have lost the trust of the people and there is no more faith in the administration either. In such a scenario, it is highly unlikely that Manipur will achieve any of its goals that it dreams of. We are doomed and stare down perpetual devastation, which will perhaps end in our own annihilation. I am constrained to make such gloomy predictions based on a recent story I heard from the rumor mill. A teacher in a reputed English medium private school here in Imphal, was picked up by a commando in plain clothes, from his residence. He was staying far away from home, in a rented house on account of his duties at a school. The commando first took him away in his motorcycle and enquired about his activities and his family background, while being given a free joy ride, albeit under stress.Now, this is a procedure that is utterly deplorable in any system of law enforcement and yet, it was done. He was taken to unknown locations by the commando and my friend was startled that the commando asked him questions about his work and personal life, besides other irrelevant ones. He seemed to be aware of all his personal details also. It obviously frightened him intensely. He sensed that he was being given an opportunity to run away from the commando, who would then perhaps shoot him on the grounds that he was trying to run away from the law.It would be closed as an encounter between the law and a criminal. The conclusion is indeed too terrifying to even think of, but everyone here knows that this is how it happens. However, the commando did not get an opportunity to do that, since my friend had the common sense to understand that if he did try to run, he might be eliminated on those grounds, and so he stayed put with the commando. At last, after many hours of such sauntering around at strange locations, he was brought back to his rented house.Here, the commando was almost simultaneously joined by his counterparts in uniform and they again beat him up for no apparent rhyme or reason. He was then taken away to the police station, where he was put into a cell with other hardcore criminals, it seems. Inside the cell, he was subjected to further humiliation at the hands of seasoned criminals who beat him up when he declared that he was not associated with any organisation or group. The policemen silently watched the thrashing binge inside the cell and did not interfere or try to prevent it. The young man was well and truly made to suffer mental trauma due to all these illegal and criminal activities that he was being exposed to. The truth is that there is no law or justice in this land of ours at the moment. Anyone and everyone can undergo such an experience immaterial of status or position in our society today. It looks like the law enforcement agencies are also speculating and not investigating matters, like they should be doing. The upshot of such state of affairs is undeniably very disheartening to say the least. However, to the great good fortune of this young man, he was released by the commando unit once he was identified and pursued by friends and family members, the next morning. But by then, due to the ordeal, he was badly battered, is still in shock, and wondering what had he done wrong to be at the receiving end of such severe reprimand from the law. He had never done anything wrong, is antiviolence to the core, a law abiding citizen, and working diligently in imparting knowledge to the students of his school, it is reported. There was no reason for him to become a target like this. The obvious answer is that he is being set up in a deeper conspiracy on some feeble grounds by some vested interests around him or by those who have a grudge against him. Matters can be cooked up of course. In fact, it is so in his case now, evidently. There are many others like him, some not as lucky as him nevertheless, who are also being harassed like this today in our State. We seem doomed to suffer our violent fate and anyone is likely to face its tune sooner or later in such state of affairs. Better look after our own skins, however we can. It has boiled down to that. In the meantime, I don’t know how long we will continue to hear such deplorable stories about our own self-destruction course, which is certainly not leaving a good impression about ourselves as an advanced race, in the history of the world. The great paradox for us right now is that even our innocence is a fault and not a virtue. Like Hitler’s Germany, a time will come when we will find it difficult to wash away the sins of our past, which will even turn out to be a benchmark for oppression, depression, anarchy and laissez faire. The heads of our future generations will droop down in embarrassment. Where is peace? How can peace be ushered in? The guarantees to life and limb are not to be taken for granted it seems and each one of might even be forced to carry weapons to protect ourselves from the law and the criminals. Does it augur well for a civilized society to come to that? Who is listening? Law and order is broken down by the law enforcers themselves. Who can help us out of such darkness now? Not even God, let me tell you.

KCP(MC) denies any link to alleged kidnappers The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 8: The KCP(MC) has once again reiterated its earlier stance that it is against the kidnapping of children to be made into child soldiers saying its position on the matter remains unchanged an inch.

A release by Lanheiba Meitei said the KCP(MC) fully appreciates the manner in which the public of Nambol Khabi Mamang Leikai and Konthoujam Khaidam capturing and beating up five men for allegedly attempting to kidnap school children, and then handing them over to the police.

The release said these men have nothing to do with the KCP(MC) and they were merely parading as ravens in peacock feather.

It requested the public to help root out these gangsters parading as revolutionaries. It even suggested the concerned villages to not only banish these men but also burn their homes.

Forced recruitment of children which is not valid in the world is done by only the gangs or Mafia groups and a group think themselves to be a revolutionary then they should not conduct such uncivilized method of forced recruitment of children, Lanheiba said.

While giving on the apparent ill-treatment to the Monika, the statement said that only the people of this land think that they are Indian but India`s mainland people never treated them as Indian. They look separately.

This can be known well when one cross Assam and witnessed the gulf of differences on the way of habits of the people.

The people of this mainland could not look the people of this region equally and wanted to suppressed has been indicated by the misfortune befell to Monika.

Now, Monika experience it and who will be the next one, it asked observing that the only way to relief from such ill-treatment by the people of the mainland is escape from the clutch of "Indian" rule.

The statement finally asked the people not to participate in the 15th August ceremony of India`s Independence day. If any body attempted to participate and arrange any function related with the Independent Day of India, the council will severely treated them for violating the ban imposed on this day, the statement said.

NSCN (I-M) ‘Maj’ shot dead By NPN Nagaland Post

NSCN (I-M) ‘Maj’ shot dead By NPN Nagaland Post |

Dimapur An NSCN (I-M) activist identified as ‘Maj’ Ningtam Tangkhul was shot dead by unidentified persons at Jalukie town under Peren district, Friday morning, sources said. Late Ningtham, reportedly the NSCN (I-M) town commander of Jalukie and married to a Zeliang lady, was ambushed by gunmen, some 500 meters away from an Assam Rifles post. However, the NSCN (I-M) in a press release alleged that Ningtam was killed in cold blood by personnel of 28Bn. ‘C’ company of the Assam Rifles. NSCN (I-M) said the AR commander Maj. James, had invited Ningtam to the latter’s camp for some unknown matter. “Maj. James was carrying Maj. Ningtam in his vehicle. But on reaching the spot near the Assam Rifle Camp, Maj. Ningtam was made to alight and shots came from behind to kill him on the spot. A country made .22 pistol with five rounds was found placed on his body,” the NSCN (I-M) alleged.The NSCN (I-M) also said there was every indication of the involvement of ‘K-group’ in the incident. Condoling the death of ‘Maj’ Ningtam, NSCN (I-M) saluted him for “shouldering the duty assigned to him in the face of great risk and hardship.” PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY: MIP/GPRN August 8, 08Assam Rifle is yet to learn how to honour the ceasefire in its true spirit and desperate to find every pretext to confront the NSCN. Among Lim is a member of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group and should have been treated in the manner he deserved. The Assam Rifles knows to well this status of Among. But they went a step further just for the pleasure of insulting the NSCN. If the Government of India failed to rein on the Assam Rifles to make them behave to preserve the sanctity of the hard earned ceasefire, it will only go towards dampening the cordial atmosphere of the Indo-Naga political talks.Assam Rifles should not smart themselves to justify their freewheeling action. They should also know the implication of such deliberate and headstrong confrontation against the NSCN.PRESS RELEASE August 8, 08 It was in the second week of June.2008 when the security of the Wungram Colony was taken over by the IRB from Naga Army under the security program initiated by Dimapur District Coordination Group led by DC and SP. So far, it has been going well. But with the passage of time two companies of IRB stationed within the Wungram Colony exposed their meaningless presence and security laxity exploded on the night of 7th August. at around 7pm when miscreants belonging to the K-group set on fire a house in the absence of the family members. Taking full advantage of the non-existent security in that particular area, the miscreants have taken their own free will to attack the house and set ablaze.The NSCN is taking a serious view of this failure which is a betrayal to the NSCN in particular and to the residents of Wungram in generalIt was in the heat of the flush out operation the DC have given the commitment to Brig. Ramkathing, Dy. C-in-C, Naga Army, and NSCN agreed to vacate all its cadre from the colony on the condition that the administration provides round the clock security to the residents, and even certain vulnerable locations were earmarked for positioning security forces for comprehensive security of the civilians.The failure to follow up security obligation on the part of IRB is a matter of serious nature that cannot be overlooked as freak accident. Much explanation from DC is demanded and the concern IRB Commander cannot escape from bearing all the responsibilities.ISSUED BY: MIP/GPRNPRESS RELEASE August 8, 08CONSPIRACY OF HIGHEST ORDERThe highhandedness and hotheaded confrontation of the AR show up its ugly head again when the 28Bn. 'C' company of the Assam Rifles kill one Maj. Ningtam of NSCN in cold blood at Jalukei on 7th August, morning.Leaving no room for doubt on their 'mission to kill' Maj. Ningtam. The Commanding Officer, Maj. James of 28 Bn 'C' company, invited Maj. Ningtam to his camp for some unknown matter. Maj. James was carrying Maj. Ningtam in his vehicle. But on reaching the spot near the Assam Rifle Camp, Maj. Ningtam was made to alight and shots came from behind to kill him on the spot. A country made .22 pistol with five rounds was found placed on his body.There is every indication of the involvement of K-group in the operation against, Maj.Ningtam The CO Maj. James also just return from Delhi. This complicity of K-group in eliminating Naga Army officer is a part of the treacherous partnership between K-group and Assam Rifles in countering and undermining the NSCN forces.The Naga nation pay respect to the departed soul of Maj. Ningtam and salute him for shouldering the duty assigned to him in the face of great risk and hardship. May his soul rest in peace. May God take care of the bereaved family members and also give consolation in this hour of sorrow and grief.ISSUED BY: MIP/GPRN Assam Rifles refutes NSCN (IM) allegations of high handedness morungexpressDimapur, August 8 (MExN): Apropos to the news item ‘NSCN (IM) accuse AR of high handedness’ published in local dailies on August 7, PRO IGAR (N) Major Pallab Choudhury in a rejoinder stated that “the allegations leveled by NSCN (IM) in the article against Assam Rifles are totally baseless, false and bereft of any truth”.He clarified that “on August 6 at 0930 hrs, 2 vehicles carrying NSCN (IM) members were intercepted at Singrijan Junction by 24 Assam Rifles in which 3 identity card holders were travelling along with 2 body guards. Search of the vehicle revealed that the group was in possession of four weapons, which is in contravention to Cease Fire Ground Rules (CFGRs). As per CFGRs laid down by Government of India, an identity card holder is allowed to move with an armed bodyguard with only one weapon in a concealed fashion. Accordingly, the extra weapon was confiscated by AR troops and the NSCN (IM) party was allowed to go”.The Assam Rifles reported that “later in the evening on instructions from the Chairman CFMG, S S Kumawat, the weapon was handed back to S Among Lim at the Assam Rifles Forest Gate. The Assam Rifles wished to inform the public that it remains committed to support the state government in maintaining peace and tranquillity in the state and implementing the CFGRs strictly without any bias or favour”. For peace in Nagaland, dialogue among Nagas must succeed (Commentary) Sindh Today For months, the fragile peace in the Naga Hills has been shattered by internecine conflict. This is ironical because the ceasefires between the government of India and its armed forces, including the paramilitary, and the two factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (or Nagaland) — the group led by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah and that headed by S.S. Khaplang — remain in place.These represent in fact among the oldest ceasefires anywhere in South Asia between armed groups, purportedly fighting for ’sovereignty’, and a national government. Yet, these peace pacts with the government have not translated to a real calm in the villages and towns of Nagaland. The reasons are mired in a complex history that embraces ethnicity, demands and concepts of nationality as well as deep divisions along tribal and factional lines.Violence is not new to Nagaland - it was here that the Japanese invasion of World War II was stalled and then turned back, on the tennis courts of the Kohima deputy commissioner, as is historically known. Those courts are one of the most frequently visited sites of the northeast with relatives of the fallen, retired soldiers and ordinary visitors coming to pay homage to those who laid down their lives, their sacrifice marked by a low tombstone with the name of the fighter; there are some who remain unknown till this day.Violence erupted again in the 1950s with the uprising for independence led by A.Z. Phizo and his Naga National Council, which brought the full force of the Indian state against the movement. Soon after fighting erupted, parliament passed the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in 1958 which remains the legal sword arm and shield of the security forces in battling insurgency as well as dominating and intimidating the lives of people in many parts of the region - after all it no longer applies only to Nagaland (which was carved out of Assam in 1963) but to at least three other states of the region: Assam, Manipur and Tripura.There were two ceasefires beyond the current one - one in the 1960s and then another which followed the Shillong Accord of 1975 which brought one group of Naga fighters into the system. But Muivah and Swu stood firm along with Khaplang, their comrade in western Burma (Myanmar), and forced a split in the NNC, one which gave birth to the NSCN. This group split again in 1988 with Swu and Muivah on one side and Khaplang on the other. Both groups have remained embittered foes for 20 years, with cadres from either hunting down members and supporters of the other.In between, the Nagas established connections and training facilities as well as arms supplies with China and Pakistan. The relationship with China came to an end in 1976 although an informal arrangement appeared to have continued well into the 1990s.In 1996, a fresh ceasefire came into place between New Delhi and the I-M group (Isak-Muivah) while another separate one followed with Khaplang’s organisation, much derided by the former as a cat’s paw of Indian intelligence agencies. Such was the bitterness between the two that the I-M has consistently held that it would break off negotiations with the government of India should the latter begin formal talks with the Khaplang group.But the standstill agreement between the Indian armed forces and the two factions has not translated into peace in the field, as was widely hoped. The guns did not fall silent because Naga fighters turned on each other, seeking to establish supremacy. For several years, it appeared that the K group was getting the worst of the exchanges but from the end of last year, amid charges of central involvement, a new factor emerged: the Unification faction, which had broken away from the parent group, the I-M, and allied with the K. Pitched gun battles followed in the district headquarters and the largest urban centre of Nagaland, Dimapur, and its surrounding areas were the scene of some protracted and bitter fighting; in one incident, an outraged mob ransacked and torched an entire colony where many Tangkhuls, members of Muivah’s tribe, lived.Till date, no fewer than 70 fighters from either side have died in the clashes. For much of the time, the central forces have been either passive onlookers, reluctant to be involved in peacekeeping between the factions, or simply have looked the other way. The head of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG), which was to review the peace between the Indian state and the I-M, was forced to quit amid bitter charges that he was on the side of Muivah’s men. His replacement by the centre was rejected by the I-M leadership, saying they had not been consulted.All this time, civil society groups and especially church leaders counselled not just restraint but also reconciliation between the factions and the tribes. Why the latter? Because the Naga tribes - there are 16 of them in the state alone and another 20-odd in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam not to speak of Myanmar - have been long divided along factional lines, with ethnic splits often dominating and indeed defining approaches and strategy as well as issues themselves.As this went on, a group of well wishers from abroad, especially from the Quaker movement of the UK and the Baptist church of the US, enabled what were regarded as path breaking meetings in Chiang Mai, the hill town in Thailand, between the two major factions. A new organisation, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) under the leadership of the Rev Wati Aier, one of the state’s most respected church leaders and theologians, took the lead here. By this time, the Unification wing had morphed into the Khaplang faction although some members later returned to the I-M.There was a Chiang Mai declaration that called for reconciliation. Yet, even as it was issued, bloody gunfights and clashes erupted between the factions, belying both hope and opportunity. The ground reality characterised by bitterness and mutual suspicion was far too deep to be resolved by idealism and even gestures of goodwill.The struggle for power dominates. In one incident, an entire camp of the Khaplang group was stormed by I-M soldiers. The I-M even ‘banned’ two Sumi (Sema) tribe organisations, prompting the FNR to declare that the ‘common cause of reconciliation’ should be safeguarded and that ‘violence, threats, notices, bans, however justified’, needed to be stopped. But even that carries little weight with the I-M: it has declared that no civil societies should consider themselves ‘greater’ than the ‘national freedom organisation, which has carried the national burden for more than 50 years’.As the conflict continues to escalate, the principal actor, New Delhi, is sitting smugly in the wings, waiting for the next round of talks with the I-M and watching the rival factions battle it out. Yet, it is unacceptable that security forces continue to largely twiddle their thumbs in the face of a visible breakdown of law and order in the state. What is required is far more robust peacekeeping by government forces. This must not be confused with the peace seekers, the civil society groups and the church, who must continue to press for a just and durable peace. Yet violations of the law, by whichever group, should be met with the force of existing laws within the domain.The centre’s approach underlines two grim political realities: one, that to ‘democratic’ India, the Naga issue and much of the problems of the northeast, barring possibly that of illegal migration from Bangladesh, represent irritants at best; they may cost lives but are not threatening the stability of the state. The second is that numbers or size count. The population of the entire state of Nagaland could easily fit into a small district of Uttar Pradesh or Bihar. There is just one Naga MP from the state out of 542. Thus, the persistent pressure that Pakistan exerts on Kashmir and the LoC, the battle to win the nuclear deal at the Nuclear Suppliers Group before moving it through the US Senate are, to India, far more significant issues, not to speak of winning the parliamentary confidence vote.Frustration over the lack of progress in the talks is growing on the Naga side. However, they have probably also realised that sovereignty is not in the picture nor is the ideal of a larger Naga territory, sliced from three neighbouring states, getting any closer because of the political backlash it invites from Manipur, Assam and Arunachal.Perhaps it is better to think of an interim settlement that allows, as India suggested to China in the case of Arunachal, existing settlements to continue undisturbed. In the meantime, an all-party committee, with representation from the Naga side (both government and the armed groups) as well as the three states to look at claims and counter-claims, headed by a jurist with knowledge of the area could be important.However, before all this can take off, the Naga groups need to develop a working relationship that would ensure equality but also promote cooperation through transparency. For political dialogues to succeed with New Delhi, dialogue among the Nagas must first succeed.(Sanjoy Hazarika is an author, commentator and documentary filmmaker who also works extensively on health, governance and conservation issues in the Northeast. He can be reached at sanjoyha@gmail.com">sanjoyha@gmail.com) NSF declares roads are “holocaust” morungexpress Dimapur, August 8 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation is convinced that the roads in Nagaland look like they have undergone “some kind of holocaust of earth” or “river run dry”. The state government must wake to this reality and attend to the long-standing need of the people for good roadways, the Naga students’ apex today stated in a press release. “…roads in Nagaland are in its worst status compared with the rest of the different states of the country of India. A careful survey into the actual conditions of the roads make one conclude that there have been some kind of holocaust of earth or river run dry…” the NSF observed in a statement appended by its chief Imchatoba Imchen. The state government, NSF felt strongly, must wake to the need of the people for good roadways and should ensure that the welfare of the people is the supreme law and duty which should be fulfilled. Urging to put an end the ‘pot-holes’ the NSF reminded that roadways are the lifeline of the people, bring them closer and “makes life easier and faster.” Economies boom with good roads, the Federation said, “but alas it seems that Nagaland still finds itself struggling to maintain the roads…” Health, roads and education are most important for survival of the individual and the society. Any government claiming to be a welfare government must ensure that the said three facilities are made available to the people. “Unfortunately, in Nagaland, the public are yet to avail these three amenities in its real sense of the term…” the NSF added. NSCN (IM) questions IRB MIP/GPRNIt was in the second week of June 2008 when the security of the Wungram Colony was taken over by the IRB from Naga Army under the security program initiated by Dimapur District Coordination Group led by DC and SP. So far, it has been going well. But with the passage of time two companies of IRB stationed within the Wungram Colony exposed their meaningless presence and security laxity exploded on the night of 7th August at around 7pm when miscreants belonging to the K-group set on fire a house in the absence of the family members. Taking full advantage of the non-existent security in that particular area, the miscreants have taken their own free will to attack the house and set ablaze.The NSCN is taking a serious view of this failure which is a betrayal to the NSCN in particular and to the residents of Wungram in general.It was in the heat of the flush out operation the DC have given the commitment to Brig. Ramkathing, Dy. C-in-C, Naga Army, and NSCN agreed to vacate all its cadre from the colony on the condition that the administration provides round the clock security to the residents, and even certain vulnerable locations were earmarked for positioning security forces for comprehensive security of the civilians.The failure to follow up security obligation on the part of IRB is a matter of serious nature that cannot be overlooked as freak accident. Much explanation from DC is demanded and the concern IRB Commander cannot escape from bearing all the responsibilities.ISSUED BY:MIP/GPRNGPRN/NSCN on sovereignty issue Nagaland PageThere is nothing which is not possible. It is only a matter of time and efforts. The NSCN under the leadership of chairman S.S.Khaplang is of a very strong opinion that, sovereignty will be achieved at any cost. The NSCN (I-M) do not have any right to undermine the feelings of the Nagas. The NSCN(I-M) who claims to be holdings talks in the prime-ministerial level has nothing to tell to the Naga people, for whom they are supposedly negotiating, even at the end of eleven long years. If not, why are they not making their achievement public? I doubt if Muivah would be able to incorporate even his own home district. It would be also interesting to see what Muivah gives back to the Naga people in lieu of hundreds and thousands of lives of Eastern Nagaland who were massacred in the name of accordist. I also wonder how the NSCN(I-M) could alleges us of hobnobbing with the adversaries while they are looking for a solution within the ambit of the Indian constitution. It is equally shameful to say that, they are concerned for the people of Eastern Nagaland whence, their leader instead of being gratitude to chairman S.S.Khaplang and General Khuli for releasing them from house arrest has rather opted to blame them for their own selfish interest. The NSCN(I-M) leaders felt the need to forsake the people and the land of Eastern Nagaland at the time when they were needed the most because, they knew that life would not be that easy and comfort. P.Tikhak, Deputy Kilonser, MIP, GPRN/NSCN. AR is yet to Honour Ceasefire MIP/GPRNAssam Rifle is yet to learn how to honour the ceasefire in its true spirit and desperate to find every pretext to confront the NSCN. Among Lim is a member of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group and should have been treated in the manner he deserved. The Assam Rifles knows to well this status of Among. But they went a step further just for the pleasure of insulting the NSCN. If the Government of India failed to rein on the Assam Rifles to make them behave to preserve the sanctity of the hard earned ceasefire, it will only go towards dampening the cordial atmosphere of the Indo-Naga political talks.Assam Rifles should not smart themselves to justify their freewheeling action. They should also know the implication of such deliberate and headstrong confrontation against the NSCN.ISSUED BY:MIP/GPRN ‘Yimchungrü should be example for Nagas’ MorungOur Correspondent CL Konyak, MLA and Chairman of MARCOFED being presented with Yimchunger traditional items at Diphupar village on Friday. (Morung Photos) Kohima | August 8 : The Yimchungrü community residing in the state capital today joined the rest of their community and celebrated the Metumneo festival with much pomp and show at the official residence of State Parliamentary Secretary, T Torechu, who hosted the celebration.Minister for Road and Bridges, Kaito, who graced the festival as chief guest, in his address lauded the Yimchungrü community which speaks six different dialects but comes together and lives as one people. “Diverse culture and dialect is a gift of God,” he said and also stressed that Yimchungrü “should be an example to the Nagas to live together as one people.”Nagas have rich culture and tradition but it is fast disappearing, Kaito said and urged upon the Yimchungrü community to build a strong culture. “Culture of your community is your passport and your community passport,” he said and stressed that each Naga tribe and community should invite each other in their festivals so that they can learn each other’s culture.Touching upon the prevailing situation in the state, the minister said that Nagas talk everywhere about fear of God but today the Nagas were looking for their own graveyard everywhere. In this regard, he appealed to every Naga to put their head together and ponder on how to build Nagaland. The Nagas have their own unique history but can’t fight for their rights through violent means, he said and appealed to all the Naga national workers to shun all types of violence including abduction, kidnapping and killings.Earlier, host and Parliamentary Secretary CAWD, T Torechu, and Parliamentary Secretary I&PR, R Tohanba, conveyed Metumneo greetings. The main attraction of the celebration was the enthralling display of Metumneo significance by a group of performers from Pungro. The crowd was seen laughing away and cheering the performers for their wit and humour who displayed the entire process of the celebration of Metumneo festival by Yimchungrü villagers. The formal function was followed by a cultural programme and the grand Metumneo feast. ENPUDA celebrates Metümneo festival The Eastern Nagaland People’s Union, Diphupar Area (ENPUDA) today celebrated Metümneo, one of the most important festivals of the Yimchunger Nagas at its union treasurer’s residence, with C L Konyak, MLA and Chairman of MARCOFED, as the chief guest, and K Kapfo, Chairman of Diphupar Village Council, as the guest of honour. In his speech, Konyak said that the ENPUDA was formed not to prove the strength of the 6 tribes of the 4 backward districts of the state but to face the problems of the districts with joint efforts from all the 6 tribes.Making an appeal to other Naga tribes, he said the formation of the union would not create any division amongst the Nagas but due to the backwardness of the districts, people came together to form a union that could work for the upliftment of the areas. He also appealed to the other tribes not to breed any ill feeling against the organisation, and that the organisation would need the contribution of the other tribes in its progress and development.Konyak advised the people of Diphupar area to initiate peace in their jurisdiction so that it would have a positive impact on the rest of the state. He urged the people of the 6 tribes to show responsibility and bring about good name to the area. He advised the six tribes to cooperate and help each other. He also donated a sum of Rs.30,000 to the organising committee.Guest of honour, K Kapfo, said festivals were meant for merry making, to respect and honour each other, and to strongly develop unity and relationship. He also urged the people of the six tribes to work for the community and Nagas as well. Kapfo also sought cooperation from all tribes to live peacefully in the area. He further donated a sum of Rs.5,000 to the organising committee.B Henok Büchem, EAC Chumukedima, said Naga society had lost vision and has compromised on values, and added that Nagas were known for truth and honesty but today the same things had become the weakness of Nagas. He also suggested to the people to analyse and examine themselves. The significance of the festival was read out by Shokum Yim, DSP (Retd). The highlights of the programme included cultural dance, song and a fashion show. ENPUDA will be celebrating the Tsokum festival of Khemiungan tribe in 2010.

Naga tribes warn of agitation OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Naga tribes warn of agitation OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Kohima, Aug. 4: The Nagaland government today faced the threat of an agitation after it announced 25 per cent job reservation for six backward tribes of the state — Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Sangtam and Yimchunger.The department of personnel and administrative reforms announced the reservation for all categories of gazetted and non-gazetted posts for persons belonging to the six backward tribes from Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire and Longleng. The government also said eight per cent of jobs would be reserved for backward tribes like Chakhesang, Pochury and Zeliang. The notification said all departments should maintain a separate register to implement the reservation effectively.Further, the departments were asked to submit quarterly reports to the personnel and administrative reforms department and the department of underdeveloped areas (DUDA) on the implementation of the policy. In case of any difficulty in implementing the provisions of the revised reservation policy, the departments would refer the case to the personnel and administrative reforms department with relevant records. However, the Chakhesang, Pochury and Zeliangrong tribes said they would not accept eight per cent reservation. The tribes said they would resort to an agitation and several organisations have come out against the new reservation policy.They said the new job reservation policy was biased and should be reviewed immediately. The state government has not mentioned quotas for other minority tribes in Nagaland, like Kukis, Kacharis, Garos and Mikhirs. Nagaland has 16 recognised tribes and several sub-tribes and non-Naga tribes. Khaplang spurns Swu offer A STAFF REPORTER The TelegraphGuwahati, Aug. 4: The cracks in the Naga unification move deepened today after NSCN (K) chairman S.S. Khaplang turned down his rival outfit’s offer of talks outside the country. In a statement, NSCN (K)’s ministry of information and publicity said Khaplang told his counterpart in the NSCN (I-M), Isak Chishi Swu, that if he was committed to the cause of Naga unity, his organisation should first pull out of talks with New Delhi. Khaplang had sent two of his representatives to Chiang Mai in Thailand to attend a reconciliation meeting convened by UK-based Quakers in June after a telephone conversation with Swu. The latest stand of Khaplang has cast a shadow over the next round of the reconciliation meeting at Chiang Mai on August 17. The Sumi Hoho, the apex body of one of the largest Naga tribes, has already expressed its reservation to attend the meet. Referring to the telephone conversation between the two leaders last week, the deputy kilonser of the NSCN (K)’s ministry of information and publicity, P. Tikhak, said Khaplang was against the NSCN (I-M)-Centre peace talks as it was “against the aspirations of the Naga people who want sovereignty”. Tikhak quoted Khaplang as saying that “sovereignty cannot be compromised at any cost”. Khaplang has also raised objections to the 31-point charter placed by the NSCN (I-M) to the Centre did not include “eastern Nagaland”, the Naga-inhabited areas in Myanmar, with the rest of the Naga-inhabited are-as within India, Tikhak said. Khaplang was also of the opinion that the charter of demands did not have the mandate of the Naga people, Tikhak said in his statement. He said Khaplang, however, had made it clear that there could not be any permanent peace in Nagaland unless all the militant groups were united. But he said there should be “right spirit” for unity. Sources said Khaplang told Swu that merely meeting outside would not bring unity unless there was an end to fratricidal killings in Nagaland. In another statement, Tikhak today refuted the claim of the Tirap district administration that the outfit had abducted six villagers from Zedua on Saturday. He said the village leaders — a headman, two panchayat leaders and three others — had volunteered to accompany the NSCN (K) cadres to guide them to the nearby village from Zedua. After reaching the village, the village leaders returned to Zedua, he said.Tikhak said the NSCN (K) cadres had gone to Zedua village to “chase out” a group of NSCN (I-M) leaders who were taking shelter there. “But since the NSCN (I-M) had used the villagers as human shield, the village leaders asked our cadres to retreat and volunteered to guide them to the next village.” State rejects Centre's offer on governor's security Yogesh Naik ,TNN

MUMBAI: The state government has rejected the Centre's offer to provide a team of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) for governor S C Jamir's security, saying it is capable of providing him with an adequate security blanket.

Jamir, who has served as the chief minister of Nagaland , has faced several attacks from terrorists. During his stint as Goa governor from 2004 to mid-2008 , Jamir was given a company of CISF which kept strict vigil at Cabo Raj Nivas. "The CISF is adept at providing VVIP security. Soon after the governor joined duty, the city police was asked to review the security cover and it stated that the company of the state reserve police force deployed at Raj Bhavan was good enough to protect him,'' said an officer of the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.

Jamir has requested the state government to allow two personal bodyguards from Nagaland on deputation to join duty in Mumbai. "These bodyguards have been working with Jamir for several years and know about possible attackers. They have also worked with the governor in Goa and he has asked them to be transferred to Mumbai,'' said an official of Cabo Raj Nivas, Goa.

Deputy commissioner of police (zone-II ) R E Pawar said, "We have enough security at Raj Bhavan. Besides the SRP men, the local police are also posted there. The assistant commissioner of police and senior inspector of Malabar Hill police regularly visit the place. There is no need of the CISF.''

A home department officer said, "We are writing to the Union government, urging them to take the CISF men back.'' Flush out ops not directed against any faction: Khulu (Page News Service)

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 4: Nagaland Commissioner HK Khulu today asserted that the evacuation of armed cadres from civilian inhabited areas are being carried out as per the directive of the Government. Speaking at the Kohima District Level Co-ordination Group (DLCG) meeting held at DC's conference hall, Khulu said that such an exercise is being carried out all over the State for maintaining peace and is not targeted against any particular factional group but to all armed cadres in general. Khulu called upon for joint efforts of the district administration, police, civil societies, media and the people at large for restoring peace and normalcy in the State. He also lauded the DLCG for their commendable job in controlling the situation in Kohima. Also speaking in the meeting, DC Kohima, Sachopra Vero said that a lot of meetings have also been convened earlier to discuss efforts to prevent any factional incidents in the town. As such the DC said that raids, frisking and checking are being conducted from time to time for the security of the people. He conveyed his gratitude to the GBs, DBs, NGOs, public leaders etc for their active participation in keeping the situation stable. SP Kohima, Renchamo Kikon said all measures would be taken up to ensure peace in Kohima and urged the people especially the NGOs to be actively involved and critically analyze the situation so that the actions taken bring positive results. The meeting was also attended by Commandant 26 AR, Commandant 4 NAP, Presidents of APO, Rengma Hoho, ASU and other administrative officers.

Issue of sovereignty cannot be compromised: GPRN/NSCN P Tikhak, Deputy Kilonser, MIP, GPRN/NSCN. Recently in the last week of July Mr. Isak Chishi Swu (Chairman of NSCN I-M) call up Chairman S.S.Khaplang (Chairman of NSCN-K) inviting him outside the country to push forward the Peace, Unity and Reconciliation process among the Nagas. Turning down the invitation, chairman S.S.Khaplang has categorically told Mr. Swu that, if he was really committed for peace and unity among the Nagas than, the negotiation with the GOI must be stopped immediately because, (i) It is against the real aspiration of the Naga people for complete sovereignty and the issue of sovereignty cannot be compromise at any cost. Right from the beginning of the Naga National Movement, be it the memorandum submitted to the Simon commission( January 10,1929) or be it the assurance by Mahatma Gandhi to the visiting Naga delegates (Bhangi colony, Delhi on July19,1947) or be it the plebiscite of May 16,1951 or be it the Nine Point agreement of June,1964 (clause-9: where in the Naga people were at their will either to continue with the existing agreement or look for a new agreement regarding the future of the Naga people; which could also had been a complete sovereignty) or be it the main objective of NSCN (even before 1988). The Naga people has always cherish for a sovereign Nagaland. Therefore, unity should be based on the will of the people, on the dreams of thousands of brave hearts who wanted to see a sovereign Nagaland and sacrifice their precious lives in the hand of the enemies. (ii) The 31 points of charter demand submitted by NSCN (I-M) to New Delhi excludes the Eastern Nagaland (presently in Burma) from the present peace negotiation. (iii) The demands place by them does not carry the mandate of the people either. Though, they have cleverly managed to submit memorandum after memorandum to pressurize New-Delhi on many occasion through the successive state government who came to power through their help or by conducting a People's Consultative meeting at their Hebron camp where, leaders representing different NGO's have been forced to sign a pre-written documents supporting the talks. Therefore, the thirty one points of charter demands submitted by the NSCN(I-M) to New-Delhi is limited to how they see in solving the Naga imbroglio? And not guided by the will of the people. It is also not the demand of the united Naga as One family or one people. This does not mean that we are averse to peace and unity. Unity among the Nagas is must for a permanent solution to the problem but be warned of more escalation if any agreement is arrived at without unification. We are all for peace and unity, but it should be in the right and true spirit. Chairman S.S.Khaplang has in fact, in several occasions even assured the visiting leaders and intellectuals including the Naga Hoho and the NMA that, he is prepared to step down in the event of genuine unity among the Naga family. It is unfortunate that, every unity overtures made by Isak-Muivah is always, preceded or followed by a bloodbath. For instances, in recent past the Naga people has witnessed both Ist and 2nd reconciliation meet at Chiangmai (Thailand) smeared with the blood of precious Naga lives in Nagaland. May I ask what they have achieved by killing a fellow Naga? If victory! Victory over whom? Therefore, it has become imperative to tell the Naga people and all other person and NGO's involved in the reconciliation forum that, every peace initiative taken by Isak-Muivah has been full of treachery and deception. Chairman S.S.khaplang also told Mr. Swu (Chairman of NSCN I-M) that, we need to be united at home first. Meeting outside without unification among us will only bring shame to our people and country.

ZU continues tirade against UNC, disowns Remmei Nagarealm.com

Imphal, AUG04 [NNN] : The tirades of Zeliangrong Union of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland (ZU-AMN) against the United Naga Council (UNC) and its president Samson Remmei are getting more heated than ever before with the former having taken drastic resolutions in this regard.

In a 'special Zeliangrong Union assembly' held on July 30 at Indoor Stadium of Tamenglong district headquarters, the ZU-AMN has resolved that the Zeliangrong Union "shall not recognize Samson Remmei as the president of UNC; that the ZU shall not co-operate with any programme taken up by Samson Remmei and his office bearers; that the ZU shall not co-operate with the UNC so long as Samson Remmei remains as the president of the UNC; that the ZU shall not implement any decision of the UNC within the Zeliangrong areas so long as Samson Remmei remains as president of UNC: that any other Naga organisation or outfit which recognizes or works with Samson Remmei as the UNC president shall not get any co-operation from the Zeliangrong Union and the Zeliangrong people; that the ZU (including all Zeliangrong frontal and allied organizations) and the Zeliangrong people in general shall not participate in the UNC till further decision taken by the Zeliangrong Union (AMN)".

The 'special Union assembly' endorsed the 'Joint Peace Meeting' of Puilon to maintain peace and tranquillity within the Zeliangrong areas. It is also resolved to oppose tooth and nail on the proposed draft notification of Autonomous District Council Delimitation Committee which bifurcated the compact areas of the Zeliangrong community in the interest of other communities. The July 30 assembly was presided by ZU-AMN chief James Rangsung. ZU-AMN assembly discussed "about the unconstitutional acts" committed by the United Naga Council (UNC) and its office bearers against the Zeliangrong Union (AMN) since February 2008 till date.

The ZUAMN assembly also discussed and deliberated the agenda and secretary's report submitted in the 'House", according to the ZU-AMN statement. In the deliberation, a number of speakers recalled how the Zeliangrong Union took strong initiatives and important roles in the process for the establishment of the United Naga Council (UNC) which was formed on February 8, 1981 during the Naga public meeting, which was convened by the president of Zeliangrong Union, president of Tangkhul Naga Long and the Chairman of the North District Naga People's Co-ordination Committee, as joint-conveners, according to the Zeliangrong Union.

It then stated that with the president of Zeliangrong Union elected as the first President of the UNC, the UNC Adhoc Committee members which included the president of Tangkhul Naga Long, Chairman of North District Naga People's Co-ordination Committee, president of Thangal Naga Union and leaders of all the Naga tribes organisations in Manipur, laid down the principle that the UNC should be an organisation of the "Naga tribes organisation as its constituent units and that the UNC should act as the united platform for all the Naga tribes organisations to act as the mouthpiece on the issues of common interest of the Nagas in Manipur, such as Sadar Hills issue, Sixth Schedule issue and Manipur Naga political aspiration in the context of Naga movement etc.

"It had been laid down that the UNC shall not be made a political party and shall not indulge in elections so that the unity and the strength of the UNC may not be eroded and divided, although the UNC was not prohibited from taking up actions of political nature for the common benefit of the Naga tribes in Manipur," said the ZU-AMN. It also stated that the basic principle mentioned above were embodied in the UNC constitution, which was approved and adopted by the Makhel Conference on April 23, 1981.

Ulfa leader hangs self in custody OUR CORRESPONDENT The TelegraphShillong, Aug. 4: Senior Ulfa leader and commander of the outfit’s 109 battalion, Dharmen Hajong, who was in police custody since Saturday night, allegedly committed suicide this morning inside a cell at Tura police station in West Garo Hills.Police said the militant used his blanket to hang himself inside the cell. Ulfa’s plan to tranship arms and ammunition to Assam from Bangladesh via Garo Hills ahead of Independence Day was foiled by the arrest of Hajong in Tura. The police had plans to interrogate Hajong more to know whether Ulfa had hidden any arms and ammunition as well as explosives in Garo Hills to be ferried to Assam at a convenient time. Hajong was the new area commander of Ulfa’s 109 battalion, mainly responsible for monitoring supply of arms and ammunition from Bangla-desh to cadres in Assam via the porous Garo Hills border. Two months back, Hajong replaced Madan Koch, the area commander of 109 battalion in charge of Garo Hills, who was killed on January 22 in an encounter. Meghalaya police arrested Hajong on Saturday night from a shop in Tura supermarket, which he was running for the past few months. Hajong told his interrogators that two months ago, before Ulfa’s 28 battalion declared the ceasefire, he was asked to go to Bangladesh as the outfit planned to shift some senior leaders to Myanmar as Dhaka wanted it to shift its bases. Hajong, who was originally from the 28 battalion, was later told to remain in Tura to take charge of the 109 battalion.

‘Stop Talks for Peace & Unity’ morungexpress

‘Stop Talks for Peace & Unity’ morungexpress

Dimapur,(MExN): Chairman of the NSCN (IM) Isak Chishi Swu last week, July, called up chairman of the “NSCN/GPRN”, SS Khaplang, inviting him outside the country to push forward the ‘peace, unity and reconciliation process “among the Nagas”. Informing of this, the “NSCN/GPRN” in a statement today said Khaplang turned down his former comrade’s “invitation” for a number of reasons. The outfit’s statement appended by ‘deputy kilonser of MIP’ P Tikhak listed out a number of reasons why Khaplang turned down Swu’s invitation. Swu & Khaplang talked last week Khaplang categorically told Isak Swu that, if the NSCN (IM) chairman was ‘really’ committed to peace and unity, the negotiations with the government of India must be stopped immediately because: Firstly, “it is against the real aspiration of the Naga people for complete sovereignty and the issue of sovereignty cannot be compromise at any cost. Right from the beginning of the Naga national movement, be it the memorandum submitted to the Simon commission (January 10,1929) or be it the assurance by Mahatma Gandhi to the visiting Naga delegates (Bhangi colony, Delhi on July19, 1947) or be it the plebiscite of May 16,1951 or be it the Nine Point agreement of June, 1964 (clause-9) where in the Naga people were at their will either to continue with the existing agreement or look for a new agreement regarding the future of the Naga people; which could also had been a complete sovereignty) or be it the main objective of NSCN (even before 1988). The Naga people has always cherish for a sovereign Nagaland. Therefore, unity should be based on the will of the people, on the dreams of thousands of brave hearts who wanted to see a sovereign Nagaland and sacrifice their precious lives in the hand of the enemies” the statement stated, explaining on Khaplang’s first reason. Secondly, the “NSCN/GPRN” statement said, the 31-points of charter demands submitted by the NSCN (I-M) to New Delhi excluded “eastern” Nagaland (“presently in Burma”) from the present peace negotiations.“The demands place by them does not carry the mandate of the people either” the statement claimed. The thirty-one points of charter demands submitted by the NSCN (I-M) “is limited to how they see in solving the Naga imbroglio? And not guided by the will of the people; it is also not the demand of the united Naga as one family or one people” it maintained. “This does not mean that we are averse to peace and unity. Unity among the Nagas is must for a permanent solution to the problem but be warned of more escalation if any agreement is arrived at without unification. We are all for peace and unity, but it should be in the right and true spirit” the outfit said. According to the organization, SS Khaplang had on several occasions “even assured the visiting leaders and intellectuals including the Naga Hoho and the NMA that, he is prepared to step down in the event of genuine unity among the Naga family.” “It is unfortunate that, every unity overtures made by Isak-Muivah is always, preceded or followed by a bloodbath”. Asserting this, the statement went on to say that both the first and the second reconciliation meetings at Chiangmai (Thailand) were “smeared with the blood of precious Naga lives in Nagaland.”Khaplang also told Isak Swu that “we need to be united at home first; meeting outside without unification among us will only bring shame to our people and country” it added. FGN issues rejoinder N. Besü KapeMy attention has been drawn by the press statement of a certain Suluneyi Vero claimed himself as Deputy Secretary, Federal Government of Nagaland which appeared in the Nagaland Dailies on August 2, 2008 under the News Item ‘FGN on Chiangmai Meet’. In which he said; Mr. K. Pushuo Khiamniungan is the Chaplee Kilonser, FGN (…had a providential escape on his life bid on 29th July, 2008 by the cadres of NSCN-IM).In this connection, I am constrained to come out with this press release to clarify to the Naga general public that under the aegis of the Naga National Council and legitimate Federal Government of Nagaland, there is only one Chaplee Kilonser. At present, N. Kachüno is the Chaplee Kilonser, Federal Government of Nagaland, appointed him as per the Nagaland Yehzabo. In the FGN setup, there is no such person by the name Suluneyi Vero. It is also informed to the Naga general public to be vigilant on money demand by Self-proclaimed National workers and therewithal creating confusion in the supreme service of the nation.(N. Besü Kape)Asst. Secretary,Home Affairs.Federal Government of Nagaland.Evacuation of armed cadres from civilian areas underway morungexpressKohima, August 4 (DIPR): Nagaland Commissioner H K Khulu today said that the evacuation of armed cadres from civilian inhabited areas is being carried out as per the directive of the government. Speaking at the Kohima District Level Coordination Group (DLCG) meeting held at the DC’s conference hall, Khulu said that such an exercise is being carried out all over the state for maintaining peace in the area and is not targeted against any particular factional group but all armed cadres in general.Khulu called for the joint effort of the district administration, police, civil societies, media and the people at large for restoring peace and normalcy in the state. He lauded the DLCG for their commendable job in controlling the situation in Kohima and hoped to see better days ahead.DC Kohima,Sachopra Vero,said that a lot of meetings have also been convened earlier to discuss efforts to prevent any factional incidents in the town. As such, the DC said that raids, frisking and checking are being conducted from time to time for the security of the people. He conveyed his gratitude to the GBs, DBs, NGOs, public leaders, etc. for their active participation in keeping the situation stable.SP Kohima, Renchamo Kikon, said that all measures would be taken to ensure peace in Kohima and urged the people, especially the NGOs, to be actively involved and critically analyse the situation so that the actions taken bring about positive results. The meeting was also attended by Commandant 26 AR, Commandant 4 NAP, Presidents of APO, Rengma Hoho, ASU, and other administrative officers.CSU condemns ‘Caution Notice’Kohima, August 4 (MExN): The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) vehemently condemned the ‘Caution Notice’ served to Kohima, Deputy Commissioner (DC) recently by the NSCN-IM outfit of Angami Region in view of carrying out the ‘Flush out operation’ of the Underground cadres in Kohima town. Terming the ‘Caution Notice’ as a “premature and narrow attitude,” the CSU has demanded the outfit to immediately withdraw the notice for the restoration of peaceful atmosphere in the society.The DC Kohima, Sachopra Vero, being the District administrator of Kohima, had to comply with the directives of the government, thereby whatever action is being taken is only in pursuance of the government directive which is indeed meant for the general interest of the society, the CSU stated. He has not done anything under his individual capacity so as to demean any faction or groups in any manner whatsoever, the Union clarified adding, “Cautioning an officer with such barbaric threat who is performing sincerely to his duties without targeting any specific functionaries is indirectly posing a threat to the whole community,”.Sachopra being a government representative can not be warned or cautioned in form, the Union stated, adding that “killing the innocent general public and extorting the public cash by the cadres of the different functionaries claiming themselves working for the cause of the Naga National Movement which is become the fashion of the day, the outfit should warn and caution all those errant cadres instead of disturbing the public genuine demand.”Urging upon the NSCN-IM, Angami region, to revoke their notice with immediate effect, the CSU appealed to the “Region authority” to cooperate with the general public in the ‘flush out operation’ instead of being the stumbling block towards “the peaceful situation.” Appreciating the Kohima DC’s bold initiatives, the CSU appealed to the DC to carry on with the ongoing operation for the larger interest of the general people.Crime on missionary hospital has earned Nagas a dubious reputation’ morungexpressDIMAPUR, AUGUST 3 (MExN): Health & Family Welfare Minister, Kuzholuzo (Azo), lashed out at what he termed a “gruesome and disgusting act,” the looting, ransacking and raping of nurses in Holy Redeemer Health Centre at Chumukedima run by the Catholic Churches in Nagaland by miscreants.The Minister in his condemnation note stated that the fact that such charitable establishments have become the target and victim, is “an acknowledgement of the harsh reality of our degraded mentality staring right into our face.” This act, Azo said, reflects just how low and eroded the society’s moral has fallen, and sought to remind Naga people that provided medical assistance is a primary process to save human lives without any discrimination to race, sex or religion, especially such undertakings run by missionaries which stood out as the noblest venture in the history of mankind. This was the reason why, even in war, medical establishments and persons associated with this field are not targeted by any warring groups world wide, he said.The minister condemned the unprecedented and heinous act of crime inflicted upon the HRHC and their staff and added that the act had earned Nagas a dubious reputation which would be hard to erase. He, therefore, called on every right-thinking citizen to come out openly in condemning such inhuman acts and also requested the law enforcing agencies to arrest the culprits at all costs and punish them in a befitting manner. Azo also requested NGOs and the public in general to be vigilant to prevent recurrence of such unfortunate incidents in the future.

IDANSB condemns HRHC incident

Dimapur, August 3 (MExN): The Indian Dental Association Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB) while condemning the heinous crime that took place at the Holy Redeemer Health Centre (HRHC) at Chumukedima, stated that such crime on a charitable institution like the centre which renders care services to the poorest of poor and public, should be condemned by all section of people irrespective of sex, race colour, society or profession. The concerned authority should book the culprits as per the law of the land, prayed a press release jointly issued by Dr. Imna Longchar, IPP, and Dr. K Alex Kithan, honoury secretary, IDANSB.Need for Self-Awareness morungexpressTo be truly secure, Nagas need to critically look at the way we are constructing the future and dealing with the past. This has become the decisive factor at this point of history. More than others, it’s about us and how we as a people are engaging with the different facets of human life. There is a greater need for self-awareness. Nagas need an integrated, inclusive and hopeful vision of human security that focuses on long term interest, while addressing immediate needs. At this point, no amount of rhetoric or public relations can conceal the reality that we are in the midst of a deepening crisis, which is threatening the future. The issues before us are more than just political. It involves every aspect of life that determines the well being of an individual. It would therefore be wrong for one to assume that everything would be alright, once a people achieve their independence. In fact it is possible that the problems and challenges would only be further compounded. Nonetheless, the issues of independence are essential for a people to take effective ownership of their wellbeing; and freely determine the course of their destiny by utilizing their resources in the way they know best. Therefore, if we are to truly engage in the making and building of our society, we must commit ourselves in overcoming patronizing politics. The need to start from the ground-up is essentially fundamental. To this end, the powers that be must ensure that they do not corrupt the value system of the grassroots through coercive or seductive means. As long as coercion and seduction fuel the fires of patronizing politics, we will not succeed in ridding our society of corruption and abuse of power. The democratic values of accountability and transparency will be a far cry, while democratic participation will become a mockery.Nagas must accept that the problems of production has not been resolved the world over, and therefore one cannot simply assume that the problems of production has been addressed in our situation. There is a dire need for people to come together and evolve an economic and development policy which comprehensively addresses these faultline, while drawing up a pragmatic plan that will genuinely improve lives of people. The practice of blindly supporting policies – just because they are our kin – must be discouraged and ultimately made illegal. One cannot support an agenda in which the riche are accumulating more and more wealth, while the poor are getting poorer and slowly losing their ownership to decide what is best for them.This raises the question of governance and the structures that affects its implementation. As must as one dislikes engaging in the exhausting and daunting task of questioning the structures of governance, this confrontation is inevitable if we are to wish for a better life. It was Tidwell, who observed that the link between theory and practice lies in the structure. His insight could not have been more true. Generally, we Nagas have the tendency of personalizing issues to the extreme, so much so that the objective is lost. There are sufficient instances when people in power have been replaced by new faces, only to find out that the new one is no better. Therefore unless we transform the structures of governance, our hopes for change remains belied. In the final analysis we have no other option but to engage in dialogue to find a collaborative way in constructing our future. What is ailing the Naga factional clash? morungexpressThe factional clash seems to continue with full vigor, ferocity and hostility like the criminal gang warfare or the mafia clash around the world for domination and control for ‘more’. But unlike the organized body of criminals, the Naga National Movement was originally a people’s movement for self-determination as historically Nagas did not live under any kingdom or empire except the British and modern India. However, today with the consumerist culture, the deep moral decay has set in within the Naga society. Before I proceed to analyze the present ills of the Naga society, I would like to raise a few questions in the very beginning.Are the Naga insurgents still truly represents the aspirations of the people? Why there is so much violence for too long within the Naga society? Is violence the only means to achieve the end or goal without educational, social and economic program me? Why a lot of the Naga public is fed up with the activities of the insurgents today despite their overwhelming support for a high degree of autonomy for themselves? Why the highly educated Nagas are not willing to join the armed struggle like in the past? Will the Nagas remain more backward and underdeveloped than their neighbors because of the continuous intense fratricidal violence and destruction? Has the original legitimate movement become counterproductive? When will the Nagas have their own world class medical and engineering institutions?With reference to the above questions, I proceed to unearth the underlying causes of the unprecedented violence in the form of factional killings, abductions, kidnapping and extortion spree. The Naga insurgency has had a long, painful and violent history going back to 1956, after the long period of peaceful mass struggle since1918. After almost a century of struggle it is pertinent to ask question to ourselves whether we have achieved anything substantial other than the ‘Nagaland state’ as the byproduct of the movement. Where are we going today in the context of the changed political scenario in the world? Absolute sovereignty, absolute monarchy and isolation are things of the past. Regional unification and groupings are fast emerging like the EU, ASEAN, SCO, BRIC, NAFTA, SAARC etc. Against such background, the Nagas seem to be still witnessing lawlessness, increasing violence at an exponential rate, intimidations, threats and counter-threats, kidnappings, abductions, mutual accusations of each other as ‘terrorists’, increasing divisions, fragmentations, pure and impure Nagas etc. Such happenings in the Naga society definitely are symptomatic of profound malaise and sickness. Because of the ill health of our society, we are unable to produce good leaders with foresight and vision. From the vicious cycle of violence and destruction perhaps, it will be extremely difficult to produce iconic leaders like Nelson Mandela, Ernesto Che Guevara, Kamal Ataturk, Ho Chi Ming, Mao-Tse-Tung, Abraham Lincoln,Charles de Gaulle, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi and a host of others. At best, so far Nagas have produced leaders of a tribe, village or a clan. Both Nagas and non-Nagas would acknowledge the loose unification of all the different Naga tribes to A. Z. Phizo. The pan Naga consciousness was Phizo’s significant contribution to the Naga society because Nagas did not collectively identify themselves as one people in the past, out of ignorance and geographical isolation, although non-Nagas have classified them together as one ethnic stock.Why important issues are not discussed and debated in a civilized manner in our society? Have we turned into a society of unthinking wild animals? It appears that the undercurrents of the factional clashes and other senseless violence are because of the deep prejudices, ignorance, lack of genuine commitment and the acquisitive attitude of having more and more through the shortest possible way. In other words, the deep seated biases are manifested in the form of “we” versus “they”, “we” are always right and “they” always wrong. “We” should dictate and control them. “We” should have the lion’s share of everything. “They” have to be abused, injured, killed and damned. “They” are the’ mosquito’ tribe. “They” are the ‘criminal’ tribe.”We” are the ‘best’ tribe. Many more stereotyped notions and false perceptions can be multiplied. The ugly and undesirable behavior of most of the cadres is clear reflection of the larger deranged Naga society. Some of the cadres are the leftovers of the leftovers of the Naga society. Naturally the logical conclusion of the behavior of such people is easily understandable to any sensible individual. Have we all become criminal barbarians? Is the past ugly head-hunting warfare still persisting in a different form? The voice of sanity and constructive criticism are never tolerated. Tolerance, liberality and the advocacy of peace are the marks of intellectual and moral advancement. When will we stop thinking of ourselves in the narrowest terms of only ‘mine’, ‘my family’, ‘my clan’, ‘my’ tribe’ and ‘up to that geographic boundaries’? Cannot we for once behave like decent human beings and true Christians respecting each other’s rights and basic needs? Is there any Naga leader who can boldly say like Nelson Mandela not to stand for re-election although he had the full support of the people, thereby depersonalizing and institutionalizing South Africa’s democratic transition?To my mind the protracted violence, intimidation, intolerance, extortion and lawlessness are the clear manifestations of the complete absence of any inner moral and spiritual strength and wisdom. In other words, there is no sense of the ‘ultimate worth’ of one’s activities. The factional clash, jumping from one faction to another, the rampant corruption within the civil society and government are the outer aspects of inner crises of meaninglessness in the moral consciousness. Any insurgent from the North-East is left with no choice but to continue to struggle in the pursuit of one’s own personal achievements and ambitions with a sustained drive, greed and competitiveness so characteristic of the so called freedom fighters. In today’s context it is very difficult to draw the line between the activities of insurgents and the activities of organized criminal bodies in the North-East.The upshot of this short reflection on the odds and evens of our contemporary Naga struggle will require each one of us to face ourselves and realize that any program me of social action for cultural regeneration will depend upon the efforts of all. Since the Naga insurgents are part and parcel of the larger Naga society, to stop the factional fighting and other undesirable activities the Naga society itself needs cultural transformation. But the question is how to bring about cultural transformation? It is the individual human being in whom, alone there lies creative energy needed for any social transformation. Therefore, the society including the insurgent group should welcome any new idea even if it is unpalatable. Social space for free expression is indispensable for the advancement of any society. Social action must begin from the individual action upon oneself that is, the action of making ourselves true individuals and integrated beings. This will require the Socratic dictum ‘know thyself’ and the understanding of oneself as part of human family and as part of the total process of the whole of animal and vegetable kingdom. To transform from the violent, uncaring, unsparing, unloving into a culture of peace of care and concern one has to return to oneself, perceive the hidden motivational triggers of one’s action. In the process one will discover many things including the fundamental interrelatedness of all life. The great thinkers of the world have one common understanding that is the culture for peace is the way of life of the individuals who have put themselves on the path to complete freedom and happiness. We have to free ourselves from the conditioned dictates of revenge and domination. A free person does not succumb or surrender to pressures for the blind run for what glitters like gold but melts away like ice before the fire. Therefore, we should not run after the mirage of vain glory, superiority and power. Each one of us should spare some extra effort to assume responsibility for regenerating the culture of peace through reshaping ourselves into integrated beings. For an integrated personality there is no problem in relating to others in love, freedom and understanding. Such culture will be conducive for creativity and true development and not of an ugly competitive struggle and endless violence in different forms including the factional clashes.

Manipur rebels to sign truce OUR CORRESPONDENT The TelegraphImphal, Aug. 3: Manipur-based tribal militant groups, under the banner of Kuki National Organisation (KNO), are set to sign a ceasefire with the Centre to pave the way for peace talks.The organisation has 10 constituent member groups which have “agreed” to sign the ceasefire after three rounds of tripartite talks with the Union home ministry and state government since February this year, it was revealed today.“Representatives of the KNO have agreed to sign the ceasefire during the last round of meeting held in Delhi on July 15. They have agreed to the ground rules and we are hoping that they would sign the ceasefire in the next meeting,” a source said. KNO comprises the Kuki National Organisation, the Kuki National Army, the Kuki National Front (Military Council), the Kuki National Front (Zougam), the United Socialist Revolutionary Army, the Kuki Revolutionary Army (Unification), the Hmar National Army, the United Komrem Revolutionary Army, the Zou Defense Volunteers and the Kuki Liberation Army.Chief secretary Rakesh Sharma, director-general of police Yumnam Joykumar Singh and inspector-general of police (intelligence) L.M. Khoute were part of the meeting. The source, however, said a number of other tribal militant groups under the banner of United People’s Front (UPF), which also attended the Delhi meeting, have not made any commitment about signing the ceasefire. The UPF comprises the United Kuki Liberation Front, the Kuki Revolutionary Army, the Kuki Liberation Organisation, the Zomi Revolutionary Organisation, the Zomi Revolutionary Army, the Kuki National Front (President), the Kuki National Front (Samuel), and the Hmar Peoples Convention (Democratic).Both the UPF and the KNO entered a suspension of operation agreement with the security forces in August 2005. The Okram Ibobi Singh government joined the peace process later.Officials of the Union home ministry and state government are hoping that the UPF would follow suit once the KNO signed the ceasefire pact.Designated camps for the truce-bound cadres will be set up 20km from the national highways and residential areas. ABSU for ‘practical ’approach on Bangladeshi deportation From our Correspondent SentinelKOKRAJHAR, Aug 3: After keeping a long silence over the unabated influx of Bangladeshi in to Asom soil and Bodoland region, the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) recently made a call for “comprehensive policy” and deportation of illegal immigrants from the State.Briefing the mediapersons in a press meet at Bodofa House the ABSU president Rwngwra Narzary said the verdict of Gauhati High Court reaffirms on large scale influx of Bangladeshi and concerned over heavy dependency of political parties on these illegal migrants who in turn becomes indigenous Muslims, playing the role of king makers in the State politics. He said there is no need of further discussion or debate on the presence of illegal Bangladeshis but a “comprehensive policy” need to be taken in this regard for the identification and deportation of Bangladeshis. He also said only “practical approach” to be taken by indigenous people of Asom along political and apolitical parties to overcome the issue.ABSU president in an interview said that the leaders of the political parties of Asom and BTC area has time and again raised the issue but they are not in a position to give clear data and population figure bow to political pressure. Burmese activists urge UN Rights Rapporteur to meet detainees Solomon Mizzima

New Delhi — The UN human rights Rapporteur, during his visit to Burma should meet political prisoners, independent organizations and listen to the people in order to understand the nature of the ongoing human rights violations, a Burmese human rights activist said. Tomas Ojea Quintana, the newly appointed UN special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Burma, is currently on a four-day visit to Burma.

The Thailand based Human Rights Education Institute of Burma's director Aung Myo Min said, Quintana's mission cannot be a success unless he is able to meet political prisoners, talk to political parties, leaders of ethnic nationalities and listen to the peoples' voices on the ongoing human rights violations in the country.

"If he cannot meet political prisoners then his mission will not be called a success," Aung Myo Min said. Quintana, who took over from his predecessor Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, on the first day of his mission on Sunday, met government officials including Burma's Deputy Foreign Minister Kyaw Thu, who also chairs the Tripartite Core Group formed with the UN, Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Burmese government to help Cyclone Nargis victims.

According to the UN, Quintana was briefed by Kyaw Thu on the progress made in terms of helping victims of Cyclone Nargis that lashed Burma's coastal divisions of Irrawaddy and Rangoon and left 138,000 killed or missing.

Attending meetings and following the junta's schedule would not help the Rapporteur to understand the nature of abuses that the people of Burma had faced since 1962, which significantly accelerated after the 1988 mass uprising that was brutally crushed, critics said. Aung Myo Min said, the Rapporteur must insist on meeting political detainees including pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who have been arrested and kept in solitary confinement for the past 12 of 18 years.

"He should also raise the issue of the May referendum where there have been widespread allegations of vote rigging and intimidations," Aung Myo Min added. Another Human Rights activist in Burma, Myint Aye, said Quintana needs to go beyond the government's schedule and look for people in the cyclone hit region, and conduct prison visits to see the real situation.

"Much will depend on whether he can insist on his own plans," Myint Aye, a member of Human Rights Defenders and Promoters Network in Burma, told Mizzima. The HRDP, which has been actively taking initiatives to promote human rights awareness in Burma, has been on the government's targeted list with several of their members brutally beaten by government-backed thugs and detained. "We, even human rights activists, are subject to harassment and attacks," said Myint Aye adding that they are willing to meet the visiting Rapporteur to explain the true situation that they are facing.

Meanwhile, Burma's main opposition party the National League for Democracy said it does not believe that Quintana will be able to bring about any kind of change in Burma but expects that the Rapporteur will at least discover the ongoing rights abuses. "We hope he [Quintana] can reveal the human rights abuses in Burma as United Nation Special Rapporteur," Nyan Win, the NLD spokesperson said.

But in order to do so, he must not confine his meetings to the government's schedule but should meet civil organizations, and non-government groups. According to the UN, while Quintana asked to meet State officials and Heads of State institutions, he had also requested that he wanted to meet representatives of ethnic groups, political parties, religious groups, civil society, NGOs and members of Human Rights Bodies. He has also requested for a visit Yangon and areas affected by cyclone Nargis and travel to Kayin State and Rakhine State, the UN said.

Nyan Win said, he and his group are also waiting for invitations to meet the visiting Rapporteur and are willing to explain the situation of human rights as they see it on the ground.

"So far there is no invitation to us for meeting him," Nyan Win added. It is the UN Rapporteur's first visit to Burma after his predecessor made his last visit in November 2007. He will conclude the trip on August 7.

‘Nothing is impossible if we are united’ Imtinaro Longkumer morungexpress

‘Nothing is impossible if we are united’ Imtinaro Longkumer morungexpress

Women Folk of Ao Community performing cultural item during the celebration of Tsungremmong Festival in Kohima. (Morung Photo) Kisama |Tsungremmong, the most popular festival of the Ao-Naga’s was celebrated here today at the Naga Heritage Complex, Kisama with much pomp and traditional gaiety. Terming the Ao-Nagas as one of the educated tribes in Nagaland, Nagaland Home Minister, Imkong L Imchen, encouraged the tribe to maintain it and produce good leaders. As educated persons, we should be honest in everything we do and say he said, adding that ‘fear’, should be removed from our minds. “We should be brave and bold, but at the same time we should also not look down at others. This should be our motto” he said. The Home Minister also asked the people not to disregard others with pride of having education but to share the knowledge without jealousy and thereby inculcate the spirit of brotherhood among the Nagas.Tsungremmong celebrated with pomp and gaietyHighlighting on the present Naga peace process scenario, he said there is no peace and security among us and asked the people to be united, have a purpose in life and be truthful to each other. “It’s easier said than done; you and I should contribute to the peace process in the state” he said and encouraged the people to come forward and take decision without any hesitation. “If learned persons don’t come forward, the world will be in darkness” he said.Also stating that “nothing is impossible if we are united”, he make a fervent appealed to the people to join hands together for the betterment and welfare of the society. Also speaking at the occasion, MLA I.Imkong expressed his happiness that the younger generations are also partaking in cultural activities and at the same time stressed on the need to preserve one’s own culture. He also asked the youngsters to be selfless and dedicated in their works adding that they should not only think of oneself but for the welfare of all.Stating that Tsungremmong is a day where everyone, rich or poor come together to give thanks, merry making, seeking blessing and forgiveness, he urged the people to learn from it and try to inculcate it in our day to day life by forgiving one another, regard everyone as equal, and truthful in our everyday life. He further called upon the people to be bold in saying what is right and wrong and make our dreams and the dreams of the state come true.Minister for PHED Dr.Nganshi K Ao also called upon the community to maintain the expectations of others as educated persons and to set good examples to others. Also stating that God has blessed the Ao’s with many gifts and talents, he asked the community to make the best use out of it and contribute wisely towards the welfare of the society. “For everything, leadership is required and we need God’s blessings in every aspect” he said and encouraged the people to be a leader in bringing about change in the society.“We should not try to boast or take pride with the wealth, knowledge we have but we should be thankful to God and accordingly use them for the welfare of the society” he said. Further, he asked the people to be truthful, obedient and thank God for the blessing bestowed upon us. Tsungremmong, the festival of Ao Nagas, is usually celebrated on the eve of harvest. The festival is also a time to present one’s intellectual and physical abilities. Young folk demonstrate the stories of their elders along with songs and dances performed by both young and old in colorful costumes. Tug of war between men and women, in which men give up to delight the women folk is also a main attraction of the festival.Attended by around 5000 people, the festival witnessed presentation of dances and songs from different cultural troupes. Earlier, T. Imchen, IAS (Retd) highlighted the significance of the festival. Organized by Kohima Aor Telongjem, the festival concluded with a grand feast.Two bodies recovered morungexpressDimapur 2 July (MExN): After the factional clash yesterday at Khuboto area in Dimapur, another body was recovered at Nito Farm. According to the police, the body has been identified as one “pvt” Stephen Lotha, son of a Peter Lotha of Mekokla village, Wokha. The deceased has been identified as a cadre of the “NSCN/GPRN” faction. The deceased bore a bullet injury in his right buttock and had reportedly succumbed to his injuries.In another incident the east police recovered the body of a non-local from Pagala Nadi near Hollohon colony. The body was in the middle of the river a distant view from the army water pump. The body is still unidentified and is lying in the Dimapur Civil Hospital morgue.The body was found swollen and the deceased bore a small cut on the head, but the police have ruled out any foul play. The victim is suspected to have drowned. According to the police the deceased had only underwear and a Tee-shirt on. The deceased has been described as middle-aged, probably in his 40s and about 5’6 tallCAO responds to news item Lungchaibi GolmeiReflecting to the news item “IM men defect to K”, dated 24th July 2008, The Sangai Express, Manipur the NSCN desire to put at rest the unfounded controversies pronounced by some unprincipled persons, in the interest of the Zeliangrong peoples, the Nagas and their immediate neighbour at large. That, Mr. Karuchang Phaomei in spite of his poor human knowledge and personal weakness, the Zeliangrong elders had generously proposed to the Govt. for his appointment as regional Leacy and CAO subsequently. And Mr. Karuchang should not loose his memory in such a short period of time, for the NSCN does not extort nor given up the issue of sovereignty, as alleged otherwise. The Zeliangrong peoples are the witness to the activities of NSCN-IM and NSCN-K because they represent them in their respective governments. It is to be noted that neither NSCN-IM nor NSCN-K is working against unity of the Zeliangrong Peoples. And Mr. Aching Kamei had previously held the post of regional APO Dy. AG and then Dy, Secy. Chaplee Affairs. While considering to the interest of Zeliangrong workers of Govt.has been kind enough to elevate him amongst the lots to such a prestigious post and posting in spite of his poor qualification. And the NSCN freedom movement is not on groupism; clanism neither involves in Indians politics nor meddles in contract work as blatantly alleged by Aching.The NSCN and the Zeliangrong Region is particular is surprise by their sudden shift of allegiance, despite of reaping maximum benefits from the GPRN but at the same time NSCN is at ease to be relieved of such and unscrupulous persons.Issued by:- Lungchaibi Golmei CAO, ZLR Region, GPRN Through MIP/GPRN.Khekiho speaks out on factional clashes morungexpressDimapur, August 2 (MExN): The lone Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland, H Khekiho Zhimomi asserted that the ‘recent spate of violence and clashes amongst both the NSCN factions’ in the state, particularly Dimapur district are unwarranted and totally against the general public outcry for peace and harmony. “At this rate of confrontation and counter-killings, the commitment of the Naga National struggle in the eyes of the world appears reduced to a low cause and must be stopped immediately,” the Rajya Sabha MP stated in a press note received here today. Khekiho further added that the reports of even the extended family members of the ‘National Workers’ being charged and targeted will only further intimidate each other and aggravate the situation uncontrollably. He also pointed out that the movable and immovable properties being destroyed and damaged during the conflict is only draining the economy of the state. Khekiho also urged the NSCN (IM), the Sumi Hoho and the Western Sumi Hoho to show magnanimity in resolving whatever issues through dialogue, saying that none can be overlooked in the pursuit for the ‘common goal’. “…After all none can be overlooked in the pursuit for our common goal for which I offer my good-will support and services,” the MP stated. Tsungremmong Festival : An Ao elderly man fully geared in the traditional Ao-Naga attire morungexpress

An Ao elderly man fully geared in the traditional Ao-Naga attire during the celebration of Tsungremmong Festival organised by the Langpangkong Senso Telongjem (Union) Dimapur on August 2 at DDSC Stadium. According to tales and legends, Tsungremmong was observed during the post-harvest season, with offering of prayer to the unseen god for a plenteous harvest. Today Tsungremmong is celebrated as one of the most significant festivals by the Ao-Naga. (Morung Photo) Independence is Naga ‘Tradition’ Shevepa Vadeo•Sir-In the beginning, God created the Heaven and the earth and find something special to create human to rule over all the creatures and in the image of His own, He created man and woman. God blessed them to be fruitful and increase in number. The earth that He created was not for war but for peace and for love. Nagaland is also created together along with the Words of God. In Nagaland, there exist umpteen unique features and extra-distinguished things which the other countries do not enjoy. Nagaland has bountiful natural resources which is more vivid in comparing with the other countries of the world. God in His own time propelled and dispatched some particular mankind to this land to settle down and today we called ourselves as ‘Nagas’.Many years back, Nagas practise such an inhuman kind of headhunting but again they loved it and competed with one another to become a warrior. They were free in motions, there was no supreme authority to control them, they were free by nature. They were controlled by no one. But due to social change which was exceedingly magnetised by the influx of westerners, the Naga culture and attitude was briskly vacillated and appallingly modified the tradition which in action and assiduously established good relation which conclusively turned to an organised society for Nagas to live in separate with our own way and with our own determination.Dear citizen friends, let us think carefully and ponder over it with our perplex pressures as well as the present situation to that way back of early Naga Nationalist History with the present situation of circumstances and the cases of conflict, the kith and kin to the sovereignty is growing diligently disproportionate and not in propinquity to each other. Independence is Naga tradition. Where and to whom are we beseeching ‘Independence’? Who can give it? Is anybody foresee and known it? Nagas’ struggles for independence seems to be entertained by some authority and by some nations. It is our tradition that we can achieve but reason out the ‘actions’ for it. By nature, Independence is Naga tradition and we shall have it. Look around your friend ‘where they are’? Call them out for ‘goal’.Few years back, Naga Nationalists were ‘one’ and had a consensus vision for the Nation. They were all in league and like a door hinge in fighting them, sacrificed their lives for our tomorrow. With all means of articulation and mutually, fight/fought against the antagonist and never killed each other except when he/she was proved to be fallacious. It was apropos Naga Unity. One does not underestimate the complexity of the National problem and look the challenge over all the conspiracies and intrigues especially who try to commit an error in the organisation. ‘It was a society of fist’. But today in practice it was divided even thought it was a same goal. Our former national leaders and soldiers have left a lasting impression and impetus for the country and still remain valid and vibrant to everyone. I believe we can all contribute things better than what they have done. They wholeheartedly combated what was best. The security of bastion from rival is on the bedlam as well as topsy-turvy and boisterous act of fartrical killing is another continues. Think about the stance of the Indian government. Do they have a concrete transaction mission for Nagas’ problems? If so, look at the present situation.Today, Nagas should not dissimulate the precious space of time to brush our Nation’s right. We have to battle and find out the channel of peace by means of emulation. Thousands of Naga peoples and believers are crying and praying for peace. Let us think its because peace cannot come automatically without effort, trust and justice.Therefore, we have to make ourselves an agent of peace. Daily local newspapers are filled with many kinds of strictures and news of violent activities. Nagas have shed ample tears and blood in fighting for freedom. I do challenge all Naga National workers and public leaders to select the lane with amicable means for our nations. The factional leaders have to stop killing one another. They should firmly take a decision to uphold the Naga National principles with which to forficate the land. Nagas are fundamentally unhappy today and dissatisfied with the ongoing ceasefire and clashes between the factions. The world is moving ahead in searching another place to live and elevated in turn of events to become a ‘superpower’ but our mode of practices is adverse to it. We have to start a new history now to dedicate once again to God so that we all can move forward together with the rest of the world. Today we are marked by the sign of violence, fear, apathy and all kinds of dissension. You and I cannot live here in Nagaland two times, let your work of contribution be everlasting shine for Nagas. The good deeds that you have furnished for the Naga nation is our tomorrow’s history. “Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is yet to come, today is best for tomorrow.” So once again, challenge wholeheartedly to support the cause of peace for Nagas and also to prove our customary right of independence.The importance and impact of Nationalism in the life of Nagas should not be undermined; rather, we have to encourage each other to develop it and themselves for Nagas. May the good Lord bring success to all the cravious, hopes and strengthen the Nagas to live in peace. ‘Nagaland is Nagaland’. And independence is our tradition.

Shevepa Vadeo KohimaNagafragrance ventures in dried Naga King Chilly morungexpress (left)Traditional smoke dried product (right)Through circulation tunnel dryer dried product Dimapur, August 2 (MExN): With the increased demand for the value added Naga King Chilly both in India and International Market for its capsaicin and aroma, the Naga Fragrance (P) Limited has introduced a new innovation of drying the chilly and other spices. Naga Fragrance has been doing research for the last two and half years and came up with the new innovation of drying the chilly and other spices, medicinal and aromatic plants. The new innovation is done through Air Circulation Tunnel Dryer. This is basically an Air Dryer. The harvesting seasons of the chilly are in the month of April, May, June and July in the Plain areas, and August, September, October, November and December in the hilly areas. The chilly in its fresh form, is highly perishable in nature and therefore the only solution to use them throughout the year is to dry them immediately after the harvest. But there are certain difficulties of drying for commercial purpose. The humidity in north east is 77 to 98% almost throughout the year unlike in most parts of India and the water content in the ambient air ranges from 18 gm to 25 gm per kg air. The frequent electricity failure in the state and region create problem for the conventional dryer’s developed from other parts of India because it hampers the quality and production schedules. The traditional system of drying by using firewood smoke or sun drying deteriorate colour and increase microbial contamination on the chilli. The LPG ignition drier produces some toxic compound which is harmful to health. The research is done keeping all these in mind all these factors. The Naga King Chilli (Capsicum Chinese Jacq) which is the hottest and known all over the world as the King of the chillies grows in plain and hilly regions of Nagaland and other North Eastern States.

Course of preparation Fresh clean ripen chillies are loaded evenly on the trays, and then the loaded trays are kept in position on sliding arrangement inside the tray chamber. Then the tray chamber doors are closed. The furnace is ignited with fire wood/bio-mass and flue gas starts coming out from chimney. About 15 -20 minutes later, the dryer blower is started and the hot air is allowed to pass through the bed of chillies as upward through flow at temperature ranges 60+ (-) 2 degree centigrade. Also, dry /dehumidified fresh air is introduced to the dryer and the exhaust of the upper chamber is kept open while the exhaust of the tunnel is kept closed. The upward through circulation is allowed for 2 hrs from the initial start up of the dryer blower. Then, direction of the hot air is change by re-arranging removal partitions for downward through circulation through the chilly bed simultaneously, the exhaust of the tunnel is kept open and the exhaust of the upper chamber is kept closed. This downward through circulation is allowed for two hours. After that alternate up ward and down ward through circulation is allowed hourly basis till drying is complete i.e (8-10) % moisture content in chillies. It normally takes 15 hours to 18 hrs to complete drying of a batch of chillies. The dried chilli from this is free from microbial toxins, moisture, smoke free and other parameters like colour; size, pungency etc are all maintained.

Ao Naga tribesmen display their fighting skills during the Tsungremmong festival at Kisama near Kohima on Saturday. A Telegraph picture Kohima, Aug. 2: Ao Nagas today celebrated Tsungremmong festival throughout the state with pomp and gaiety.Thousands of Ao tribals gathered at Kisama tourists’ village here to celebrate the festival, held annually to mark the onset of the harvest season. Cultural programmes and a huge feast marked the celebrations.Several foreign and domestic tourists were seen at the venue, partaking the festive fervour along with the local people.Nagaland home minister Imkong L. Imchen, public health engineering minister Nangshi Ao and former Congress Legislature Party leader I. Imkong greeted the people on the auspicious occasion.Although traditionally Tsungremmong is celebrated on harvest-eve, nowadays the Aos celebrate this festival between August 1 to 3.Prior to the start of the festival, every village declares the Süngküm (village gate) closed and free entry or exit is restricted and regulated for those who do not belong to that particular village.People in colourful costumes sing and dance to express their gratitude to the supreme power for helping the crops to grow well. They provide the best offerings to get abundant blessings.The Tsungremmong festival provides an opportunity to the younger generation as well as the village stalwarts to demonstrate their intellectual skill and physical prowess.A handful of young men take the stage and tell amusing stories about their elders.The festival is usually rounded off by a tug-of-war between men and women. It is now commonplace for the men to deliberately lose to please the women. In keeping with the spirit of the festival, no one refutes the argument that the men lose the tussle since they are absorbed by the sweet songs of the women and regaled by their very presence. The only defence offered is that the men have to pull the rope uphill and the women downhill. It is a treat to watch and an honour to participate in the festivities.Centre blames states for not using laws to counter terrorism (Agencies)

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 2: The Centre has blamed the state governments for not making proper use of the available laws to counter terrorism and advocated a case for a federal agency to look into the matters having international ramifications. "If some are raising this issue, I would like to ask that whether these laws being used. Are the provisions of POTA which have been put into Unlawful Activities Prevention Act being used? Why are they not being used,?" Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil asked. Asked as to why the Centre was averse of ratifying the anti-terror laws passed by some state governments, Patil said "...I am saying use existing laws." Advocating for a federal agency, Patil said in an interview to a news channel "...if the offence is committed by a person living in a state there is no difficulty in proceeding against him, but there are a group of persons living in different states and they are intending to perpetrate an offence, states machinery will not be helpful." The country needs a machinery which has access to more states and "today we have come to conclusion that it is not only inter-state matter but it is becoming international matter and now there are ramifications going outside boundaries of the country and state government and police do not have that kind of capacity," he said. "If you have a federal investigating agency in such matters it would be helpful and then if you have an agency which can prevent these things that agency will be able to better prevent it," he said. Asked whether Pakistan's ISI was responsible for the attacks, Patil said "I am not giving any clean chit to anyone nor am I complaining against anyone". "I am allowing the state government of Gujarat to investigate the matter properly and bring these facts to our notice, we will examine them and necessary steps would be taken without fair and unfair," the Home Minister said. He claimed that many terror modules had been busted but refused to divulge details. The Home Minister said the UPA government was not hard on innocent persons. "Union Government will be very correct and hard on terrorists and will be very careful in not convicting and causing difficulties to innocents," Patil said. He said the terrorists were thriving on fear psychosis and "we should not add fuel to the fire by saying that terrorism in India is such that it cannot be controlled." Patil was quick to refer to Rahul Gandhi in his interview and said the fear should be removed out of the mind. "I say that this is a problem. I say this problem should not be dealt with in a light manner." "Rahul Gandhi said that we will do nothing out of fear, If you fear you wont be able to do it...he was so mature as he looked into future and said let us not be afraid of anything and here we repeat things, writing things and contributing towards the fear without taking into account the actual facts and figure the statistics given." From infiltration to migration and then…? Nagarealm.com If former Assam Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajay Singh's assertion of around 6000 illegal Bangladeshis entering Assam daily is even partially correct, the fate of India's North East is at stake. The horrific demographic imbalance will see Bangla migrants outnumber the entire population of the region in the next two decades.

Despite Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi shrugging off the Governor's seemingly inflated claim, the fact is that infiltration into the State remains unabated over the years. Social tension is strengthening, which is evident in the text-message campaigns in Upper Assam advocating a social and economic boycott of Bangladeshi migrants. The moot question: is it a threat to survival or survival of the threat? Decades back, the powerful All Assam Students Union (ASSU) had launched a bloody campaign to push Bangladeshis back to their land. Indigenous people who feared a minority status in their own land massacred thousands of Bangladeshis, including women and children, across the State. New Delhi signed an accord in 1985, but clauses on the deportation of foreigners have still not been implemented. Though there are genuine Assamese Muslims and mainland Muslims, the present influx of illegal Bangladeshis in the State threatens the country's internal security.

Today, 23 years after the agreement was signed, illegal migrants from Bangladesh remain entrenched in the state; their identification and deportation have become increasingly remote. The political parties have played a major role here by maneuvering to consolidate their electoral vote-banks. The Assam agitation peaked in the early 1980s, but has completely dissipated due to the compromises made by the political forces that are driven by narrow interests. There is a conspiracy of silence in their political posturing that has uprooted socio- cultural-political mores. The long stretch of Assam forest bordering Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh has over the years disappeared and been systematically occupied by the illegal immigrants. The trouble is most of these illegal settlers are well equipped with valid land holding documents issued by the Assam administration.

The Nagaland Government often alleges that these illegal immigrants have even occupied the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) that leads to frequent border skirmishes. Tripura is a case in extremes and Nagaland is the next target because of late Bangla migrants have been swarming the State. In the last few years, there has been a dramatic change in the socio-economic ethos of the State. Lack of work culture, easy money and a laid back opulent life style are the main reasons why these Muslims mostly coming from Bangladesh into Assam first are then entering Nagaland. All the menial jobs, construction of houses, taxi driving, rickshaw pulling and cultivation are mostly done by these Muslims today. They also run almost half of the shops in Dimapur, the biggest commercial hub of the State and the capital, Kohima. Though historically the Nagas had no links with either the Bangla or Assamese Muslims.

However, Muslims had come to Manipur from Sylhet in the 17th century during the reign of King Khagemba (1597-1652) at the invitation of Prince Sadongba. Reportedly Prince Sadongba had planned to dethrone his brother King Khagenmba with the help of these Muslims. In many battles, Manipur Kings used the services of these Muslim soldiers who were considered skilled fighters. Many Muslim soldiers also lost their lives when Manipur suffered in the 1758 Burmese-Manipur war. Even when the British defeated Manipur in 1891, many Muslim soldiers were also killed and some were deported to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. How can Assam have such a huge Muslim population spilling over into other parts of the region unless coming from across the international border?

Cases over IMDT There has been a slew of court cases fought over the efficacy of the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunal) Act (IMDT) to identify and deport the illegal Bangladeshi migrants, which has led to the Supreme Court of India striking down the IMDT Act in favour of the Foreigner's Act. Yet there have been attempts to bypass this order by amending the Foreigner's Act and providing special provisions for the state of Assam. There are some Assamese Muslim organizations that have come up in Upper Assam to tackle the identity crisis they are facing. Successive Congress governments in the state have sought to consolidate the Bangladeshi vote-bank, which has paid huge dividends. It was only during the last assembly elections in Assam that the IMDT Act was struck down by the Supreme Court and the Congress faced reverses in getting Muslim votes.

According to the 2001 Census, the Muslim population in the North-East was recorded at 8,858,543 as against 6,805,647 in 1991. Out of this, Assam's share was recorded at 8,240,611, followed by Tripura at 254,442 and Manipur at 190,939. Five other states have Muslim populations of less than one Lakh: 99,169 in Meghalaya, 10,099 in Mizoram, 35,005 in Nagaland, 7,693 in Sikkim, and 20,675 in Arunachal Pradesh. As the 2001 Census data indicates, in Assam, the overall Hindu population was 64.9 per cent as against 67.1 per cent in 1991, while the Muslim population for the corresponding years stood at 30.9 per cent and 28.4 per cent respectively. Though several factors might have contributed to this demographic change, several analysts believe that the unabated influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh could be a major factor in this increase.

Against the backdrop of these developments, the abnormal increase in the number of madrasas in Assam numbering about 1466, of which 810 are registered, is a matter of concern. Intelligence agencies have been warning for years that many of these madrasas could be safe havens for radical elements. Surprisingly, Islamic groups have been silent on the tumultuous issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh to Assam. Intelligence inputs have expressed trepidation about these groups being instigated to violence by external Islamic groups on the pretext of safeguarding interests of minorities facing harassment at the hands of outfits spearheading the oust-Bangladeshi campaign in the region. Strategists in the Home Ministry fear that the tug-of-war over migrants of suspected Bangla origin could become the trigger for groups such as Harkat-Ul-Jehadi-Islami(HUJI) to fish in the troubled waters of the North-East.

The surfacing of these groups and their ability to strike deals with prominent outfits like the ULFA and extraneous Islamic groups has added a new twist to the multifarious security environment that besets the North East. The best antidote to counter this emerging threat is to break their nexus with groups like the ULFA and their external allies. Sitting like a lame duck on this unholy alliance will prove to be too costly for India's geopolitical security in the years ahead. [Howrah.org]

NSCNs clash again morungexpress

NSCNs clash again morungexpress

Dimapur, August 1 (MExN): There was one casualty in a gun battle between the NSCN factions at Kuhuboto area, under Niuland this evening at around 4 pm. The slain cadre is said to be one “sgt maj’ Z Viketo Achumi of “NSCN/GPRN,” hailing from Litsami village in Zunheboto. It is learnt that his mortal remains have been brought to Kuhuboto town, and the Kuhuboto Town Council will take care of the burial. The situation in Kuhuboto area is said to be tense but under control. According to the president of Kuhuboto Ghukhu (Area) Public Organisation Kakiye Zhimomi, the firing started at 3:30 pm at Nito Farm which is adjacent to Kuhuboto. The public and the 11th IRB personnel stationed at Kuhuboto tried to intervene in the gun battle but they were prevented by the NSCN (IM) cadres, so they stayed around 100 meters away from the farm, Kakiye informed. The Assam Rifles, ADC Niuland, SDPO Niuland also arrived at the spot, but they were also prevented by the NSCN (IM) cadres from intervening in the gun battle. There were more than 70 NSCN (IM) cadres, Kakiye informed. The gun battle lasted for nearly three hours. Police also confirmed the death of the “NSCN/GPRN” cadre. There were reports of more deaths, which could not be confirmed or ascertained. Meanwhile, KGPO president, Kakiye Zhimomi has appealed to the underground cadres not to exchange fire or fight in civilian-populated areas. He also appealed that the cadres should not prevent the public and the security forces from securing the lives of innocent public members, like old folks, children and women who get trapped in such battles. ‘Revoke ban on Sumi Hoho and Western Sumi Hoho’ ‘Revoke ban on Sumi Hoho and Western Sumi Hoho’ morungexpressDimapur, August 1 (MExN): Foreseeing further aggravation of the already worsening Naga situation, the Tangkhul Naga Long today made a vehement appeal to the outfit NSCN (IM) to revoke the “ban” imposed on the Sumi Hoho and the Western Sumi Hoho. Calling an end to all malicious campaigns against one another, the Tangkhul Naga Long also, in a significant statement today, sought forgiveness, even as the community has forgiven all who have wronged against them.TNL to reach out to all Nagas in the spirit to seek forgiveness and to forgive“…in the spirit of reconciliation, the Tangkhul Naga Long in all humbleness appeals to the joint council of National Socialist Council of Nagalim to reconsider their decision and revoke their ban order. From our past experiences, we share our profound prayer for SH and WSH leadership for the courage and wisdom to resolve the issue in right earnest” the hoho appealed. The Tangkhul Naga Long expressed belief that the Naga people would be most benefited if all perceived and real differences are addressed peacefully through dialogue so that a common understanding can be arrived at. “As a nation Nagas must learn and have the will to address all differences through democratic means” the hoho said in a statement appended by Stephen Angkang, president of the hoho.The hoho also acknowledged that the manner in ‘which we may have demonstrated and extended our support to the Naga movement, has caused deep hurt and anguish to our fellow Nagas and for this we have said in 2001 in Naga Hoho Assembly at Kohima and reiterated again in Ching Mai meet-II in June 2008.’ “We are sorry; please forgive us and we have forgiven to those who have hurt us. In recognizing our own weaknesses as human beings, we feel that a time has come for all Nagas to honestly search our hearts and actively contribute to genuine reconciliation. We believe that through the principle of forgiveness in upholding the spirit of Naga nationhood, Nagas can once again proudly assert our common cause for freedom” the Tangkhul Naga Long stated. The Tangkhul apex expressed sadness that at this juncture, when Nagas are weary of internal violence, hatred and divisions, and when Nagas are seriously working and praying for the hard-earned political talks and for genuine reconciliation, the two Sumi frontals were ‘banned.’ “We believe that such decisions will only aggravate the situation and hamper our common hope to be reconciled with one another” the organization reminded. The Tangkhul Naga Long makes a sincere appeal to all the Naga political groups to refrain from engaging in all forms of violence; to stop destroying properties and to end all malicious campaigns against one another. “All these unwanted activities are only strengthening our common foe, and weakening the Nagas. In the true spirit of reconciliation the Tangkhul Naga Long appeals to all Nagas to give the Forum for Naga Reconciliation the opportunity to pave the way for healing and reconciliation to take place among the Naga people” it appealed. Meanwhile, the Tangkhul apex added to have launched a series of consultative meetings with various frontal organizations within the Tangkhul community in response to the common cause for genuine reconciliation amongst all Nagas as initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation. Consequently a committee has been formed with the responsibility to reach out to all Naga tribes irrespective of territorial demarcation to address all past differences and to strengthen the Naga common aspiration in the spirit to seek forgiveness and to forgive. “We consider this approach as an important step for true healing” the organization said.

Jamir stresses on literature By Correspondent Nagaland Post| Mokokchung01/08/2008 Maharashtra Governor Dr. SC Jamir Friday stressed on the importance of literature in the development of human civilization during the release ceremony of four book under the aegis of the Ao Senden Literature Board (ASLB).Releasing the four books - ‘Pentochepchep Ritsüng’ by W. Chubanungba, ‘Sangnaro Osep’ and ‘Sangshir’ by Satemmeren Longkumer and, the Rev. C. Walu Walling’s edited version of ‘Down the Memory Lane Vol 1 Mission to the Nagas’ by Rev. & Mrs. Bengt. I. Anderson - here at his private residence, Jamir also spoke on how the South-East Asia and other European countries were taking immense interest in learning English language. He also encouraged further advancement in Ao literature saying Ao subject was presently confined to the secondary levels. Dwelling on the Naga political problem, Jamir said “factions and defections” and killings have occupied centre stage in the present situation and that Nagas have grown so used to killings that even while reading newspapers, they tend to focus on “how many killed” while sidelining other important news. “If our foundation is on the basis of factions, then where do we stand?” Jamir asked.Lamenting the divisions and fear psychosis that have gripped Nagas, the Governor said “No Nation can grow in an atmosphere of fear.” Jamir called upon scholars and said it was high time to depict the present state of Nagaland. The release program today was attended by members of ASLB, Ao Senden, Watsu Mungdang, AKM and others.In fear no society can grow: Jamir (Page News Service)

MOKOKCHUNG, AUGUST 1: Expressing concern over the unabated killing taking place in Nagaland and the subsequent fear psychosis prevailing in Naga society today, Governor of Maharashtra, SC Jamir on Friday asserted that no nation or its people can grow in a state of fear. The Maharashtra Governor was speaking at the release function of two Ao books and an English book, organized by the Ao Senden Literature Board (ASLB), at SC Jamir Kilem, Mokokchung town today. Jamir regretted that today Nagas speaks one thing but act differently and instead of living in cohesion there is animosity, which he opined is responsible for the fratricidal killings taking place in Naga society. "We only think of our personal interest, not about the ills taking place in our society," he lamented. On the occasion, Jamir also spoke on the prevalent trend in Naga society where no individual or organization can truthfully speak his or her minds freely. We are today restricted from speaking our minds. We are constrained from saying unity is good; that the good is good and bad is bad. This is because there is disunity amongst us. This is perhaps the reason why our goal has not been achieved so far, he said. Jamir maintained that if we really care about the future generation, all Nagas have to rise up today with clear visions and goals for what they want to leave for their children. "If we don't do what needs to be done today, our children will also suffer," he added. The books 3 books today by Jamir are Pentochepchep Ritsüng written by W Chubanungbai; Sangbaro aser Sanglir written by Sademmeren Longkümer and Down the Memory Lane: Mission to the Nagas written by Rev. Walu Walling.

NSCN clashes unwarranted: Khekiho (Page News Service)DIMAPUR, AUGUST 1: MP (Rajya Sabha), H Khekiho Zhimomi has termed the recent spate of violence and clashes between NSCN factions as unwarranted and totally against the general public outcry for peace and harmony. In a press release today, Khekiho said at this rate of confrontation and counter killing, the commitment of the Naga National struggle in the eye of the world appears reduced to a lower cause and hence must be stopped immediately. The reports of even the extended family members of the National workers being charged and targeted will only further intimidate each other and aggravate the situation uncontrollably. Also, the properties both movable and unmovable being destroyed and damaged is only draining the economy of the state, he said. Khekiho also urged the NSCN (IM) and the Sumi Hoho and Western Sumi Hoho to show magnanimity in resolving whatever issues through dialogue. Towards this end, he also offered his goodwill support and services. Factions exchange fire at Nihokhu 1 NSCN (K) cadre killed

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 1: Although timely intervention of the district and police officials prevented further clashes at Pukhato village on Thursday after a heavy exchange of fire between both the factions of NSCN, they continued their battle late night at the same place and today afternoon at Hito Farm under Nihokhu village. Sources said that the NSCN (IM) cadres, who had moved out from Pukhato village today afternoon were ambushed by the NSCN (K) cadres at around 3.30 p.m. Sources from Kuhuboto said that the NSCN (IM) cadres were ambushed by the rival cadres while they were moving towards Vihokhu after vacating Pukhato village. Both the factions exchanged fire for almost half an hour, in which one NSCN (K) cadres, identified as "ss" "maj" Vikheto, s/o Hekuto of Litsami village was killed. The stand-off between the two factions continued for hours, although firing stopped at around 4 p.m. Village elders led by Kuhuboto Gakhu Public Organization (KGPO), IRB personnel and police tried to enter the village but they were prevented by the NSCN (IM), who warned them not to enter. It was only after 2 hours, that the officials of 11 IRB, district officials, KGPO president, Kakiye Zhimomi and Commander of NSCN (IM), V Chishi met together and discussed about leaving the village. However, the NSCN(IM) requested the public and the IRB not to enter the village as they would leave the village Saturday morning. Talking to Nagaland Page, KGPO President, Kakiye Zhimomi said that the situation was normal, but the NSCN (IM) cadres were still there in the farm. He said that district officials, police and Assam Rifles had asked the armed cadres to vacate, but the NSCN (IM) insisted to stay back today and move out only tomorrow morning. He also disclosed that the body of the slain cadres of NSCN (K) was lying in his house at Kuhuboto. Zhimomi further said that the funeral service of the NSCN (K) cadre would be held at Kuhuboto tomorrow. He said that the KGPO has taken the responsibility to bury the body of the deceased in Kuhuboto. Meanwhile, the KGPO has appealed to the armed cadres of both the factions of NSCN not to indulge in exchange of fire in civilian populated areas, as it endangers the lives of the elderly people, as well as school going children. Zhimomi said that when the public organizations, district officials and security forces try to prevent the cadres from gun firing, they should not be stopped. (Page News Service)

FGN on Chiangmai meet Nagaland Post In consonance with the genuine reconciliation of all the Naga groups, the 1st Chingmai meeting gave a ray of hope for cessation of hostilities. The hope of the people was betrayed as loss of lives and arrest of even participants of the Chingmai meet ensued. The lives of eleven Naga Army cadres fell right after the meeting. Mr. V.Nagi, a participant at the Chingmai meeting was arrested and kept hostage resulting into intervention by civil societies. The 2nd Chingmai Meeting turned out to be a mockery of the very purpose of reconciliation and cessation of hostilities. Even as joint statement was issued for the consumption of people, Vihokhu Camp was on fire. Life attempt on a participant (at the 2nd Chingmai Meet) have reflected total lack of regard and sincerity towards other groups and leaders. Mr. K. Pushuo Khiamniungan, Chaplee Kilonser, FGN had a providential escape on his life bid on 29th July 2008 by cadres of NSCN (IM). While the FGN have participated in the Chingmai meetings with the hope that all groups have equal sincerity and commitment, the turn of incidents as above have demonstrated futility of the entire exercise and subdued the genuine intention. The two main reasons behind unabated killing in our land today are stated here for the people to ponder : 1. Patronage of a particular faction against the other(s). 2. Ceasefire with Government of India has given permission to possession of arms by cadres. This serves the very purpose of the enemy as it has facilitated unabated killing amongst brothers. Sd/- SULUNEYI VERO DEPUTY SECRETARY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND.

Kidnapping scare Alarm reduced to a farce By Our Staff Reporter Sangai ExpressIMPHAL, Aug 1: With the people alert and inquisitive following the spate of kidnapping children, a incident occurred at Kyamgei Maning Leikai in Imphal East district this afternoon which appeared as if a teenaged was being kidnapped, however it turned out be a fracas amongst some youths.At about 1 pm, local saw Chungkham Bung (28) s/o Jatra of Kwakeithel Thounaojam Leikai and Soraisham Chitaranjan (28) trying to take away Amom Khegarcop alias Bugie (18) in a car (Fiat Palio) bearing registration number MN-01W/0714). On seeing the scene, local people rushed in and rescued Bugie. However, Bung and Chitaranjan managed to escape speeding away in their car. But the real story turned out that Khegarcop was coming back from Kyamgei Muslim village after consuming some SP capsules on a bicycle. On the road, he came upon Bung coming in the car.Then Bung got down from the car and frisked Khegarcop demanding all SP capsules he had. Bung again demanded Rs 500 asking Khegarcop to get into the car if he did not have the money. As the two were engaged in a tussle, the local people rushed in. On seeing the people, Bung and Chitaranjan sped away leaving behind Khegarcop.According to reports, Bung was reinstated to his post as Rifleman in 4th IRB only recently after he was detained under NSA after he was nabbed by AMADA with SP capsules and a country made pistol. On hearing about the incident, a team of Singjamei police came there where they were provided registration number of the car. Subsequently, the car was seized.Police asserted that the incident was not related to kidnapping children but it was result of a quarrel among drug abusers.Absu to hit streets on schools - Protests, ‘mass crying’ lined up to highlight govt apathy OUR CORRESPONDENT The TelegraphKokrajhar, Aug. 1: The All Bodo Students’ Union (Absu) today announced a series of agitation beginning August 11 to highlight the problems fa-ced by Bodo-medium schools. The president of the union, Rwngwra Narzary, told the media that despite Absu’s demand for better education for students of the Bodo-medium schools, “we have been observing that instead of taking an initiative, the state government is trying to push the union to take to the path of agitation”. “We want to let the Assam government know that unless it takes the initiative to solve the problems through dialogue, Absu can challenge any situation and even go for non-stop democratic agitation to fulfil its mission,” he said. The students’ union will observe August 11 as “Sorrow Day” when its members will fly the Absu flag at half-mast and wear black badges at educational institutions across the state. The union will stage a three-hour dharna in front of block elementary education offices on August 29.September 11 will be marked by an hour of “mass crying” on national highways without affecting traffic and burning the effigies of the education minister throughout the state to draw Dispur’s attention to the problems faced by the Bodo-medium schools. The union is demanding creation of a directorate of education for Bodo-medium schools with separate financial budget provisions, provincialisation of all Bodo-medium lower primary, middle English and high schools, appointment of Bodo officers in the tribal areas of Assam, filling up of vacant post in schools, appointment of Bodo lecturers and subject teachers in Dibrugarh and Silchar universities and higher secondary schools, enhancement of ST scholarships and its regular distribution, setting up of a central university at Kokrajhar and of medical, engineering and veterinary colleges in Bodoland. 8888 spirit Mizzima News

Saturday, The popular 1988 uprising will be 20 years old this August. The Burmese people have not yet enjoyed the benefits of democracy though they marched through a hail of bullets armed with their resolute will to achieve democracy. -The departed souls of those who were killed on the streets while they were protesting peacefully are still drifting nowhere. Some forgetful people pretend to be saviours and are saying, "This is not good, do as I say".

Anyway the '8888 uprising' was not in vain. It highlighted the injustices existing and showed the real way out and ensured the end of 'evil'. We cannot blame anybody for not achieving victory even after 20 years. It is of great pride and glory to see the flame of the 8888 spirit still burning brightly.

The strong vitality of this spirit, under repeated attempts to extinguish it with loaded guns and bayonets is the victory of 'good'. The perpetrators wished this spirit to die but they failed.

The people were fed up and began despising the one-party dictatorial rule under the banner of the then 'Burma Socialist Programme Party' (BSPP) after suffering for a long time. The people followed the leadership of daring students and youths and expressed their will and desire until the uprising reached its climax on 8th August 1988. The ruling party BSPP finally collapsed despite its monopolistic power and backing by the junta. It is not a spontaneous development, achieved only after a lot of sacrifices by the students and people.

After that, free and fair general elections were held in May 1990 for the first time in modern Burmese history. The Burmese people got the chance of exposure to the outside world to some extent from a totally isolated situation where they were blindfolded and gagged. The current developments are the fruits of the 8888 uprising. Human history would not have developed to this stage if everyone thought, "Nothing will be achieved even if I do it", the indifferent thinking.

There are many challenges ahead. But we should not forget there will always be opportunities to cope with all these challenges by seeing the exemplary role of the 8888 uprising.

Bush looks to Thai trip to raise Burma awareness Mizzima News

Chiang Mai - United States President George Bush is planning on using the occasion of his upcoming stopover in Thailand to meet with Burmese dissidents and press for change inside Thailand's troubled neighbor.

In an interview with Suthichai Sae-Yoon of the Nation Multimedia Group (Thailand) and released by the White House yesterday, Bush described Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi as "a very heroic woman that was elected overwhelmingly by her people, and has now been under house arrest by a group of military guys that just simply won't allow the will of the people to -- to flourish."

The president also reaffirmed his commitment to meet with human rights and Burmese activists during his stay. "I will be speaking to activists to let them know that the United States of America hears their voices. And, you know, it's a tough issue for some countries," said the President from the Map Room in the White House.

It is expected that Bush will meet with Burmese dissidents in Bangkok on August 7th at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador.

Burma's generals have long drawn the ire of the human rights community, most recently over the inadequate and inefficient handling of relief operations in the wake of Cyclone Nargis – which resulted in the death and disappearance of some 140,000 Burmese citizens.

When confronted on the apparent failure of a U.S. led sanctions approach to pressure Burma's generals for change, the President was quick to blame the lack of success on the refusal of all countries to maintain a similar posture.

"(T)he idea of unilateral sanctions, they're effective only to a certain extent. And, therefore, other countries must also join, and, frankly, there's some countries in the neighborhood that aren't interested in joining," explained Bush.

The ten-country consortium of ASEAN, of which Burma and Thailand are each members, has consistently balked at considering comprehensive sanctions against Burma's generals, instead preferring a policy molded around engagement.

Only two months ago the Thai energy firm PTT Exploration and Production inked the latest economic partnership with Naypyitaw – Burma's capital. The agreement concerns the development of the M9 block in the Gulf of Martaban. Eighty percent of the field's natural gas is to be exported to Thailand.

While the President is in Bangkok, the First Lady, Laura Bush, is expected to make a trip to the Thai-Burma border area in the vicinity of Mae Sot – opposite Myawaddy in Burma. The First Lady has been a staunch supporter of Aung San Suu Kyi and elements within the Burmese opposition movement for five years now.

The President and First Lady are set to arrive in the Thai capital next week ahead of attending the Beijing Olympics – set to commence on the 20th anniversary of the 8-8-88 nationwide uprising in Burma, which resulted in the deaths of at least 3,000 civilians at the hands of Burma's military.

Despite numerous organizations and activists pushing for the President to make a political statement out of the Games, specifically referencing China's continued economic and political support for the Burmese regime, Bush remains adamant that he will not politicize the Beijing Games. "I don't think the Olympics should be politicized," he told Sae-Yoon.

However, the President earned a sharp rebuke this week from Liu Jianchao of the Chinese Foreign Ministry following his meeting with Chinese dissidents in Washington on Wednesday.

KOHIMA, JULY 31: Even as the ceasefire between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) completed 11 years today, there has been slow progress in the Naga peace talks and this has impatient the Naga outfit to blame New Delhi for the snail-pace progress in the peace process. However, NSCN (IM) sources said that the Centre and Naga underground leaders are presently studying the technical aspects of the Indian constitution. Thuingaleng Muivah, Ato Kilonser (prime minister) of Government of the People's Republic of Nagalim (GPRN/NSCN) is leading a high level delegation of the group to study the technical aspects of the constitution with the Indian law makers and constitutional experts. NSCN (IM) sources said the ongoing exercise would give impetus to the Naga peace process and for early settlement of the protracted Naga political problem. NSCN (IM) has submitted its 31-point exigencies to the Centre to settle the long drawn issue, but there has been no positive response from the federal government. The Naga group has also demanded special federal relations between "Nagalim and India". Over 50 rounds of talks have been held between the Naga leaders and Centre's emissaries, but nothing 'honourable and acceptable' solution has come out till date. Talks were held both in the country and abroad. Talks are supposed to be held at the prime ministerial level, but the Centre had to finally appoint a PM's emissary. Former union home secretary K. Padmanabhaiah is the Centre interlocutor to the Naga talks. The biggest hurdle before the Naga peace process is NSCN (IM)'s demand for integration of Naga contiguous areas under one administrative unit, which it said would be first step towards hammering out the solution. Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have opposed disintegration of their states. Vikiye Sumi, kilonser (minister) for information and publicity said even after 11 years of truce, sincerity of New Delhi is highly questionable. He said the ball is in the court of Government of India and that it would be up to them to resolve the problem. Sumi said New Delhi say something and does another thing and this has prolonged the Naga peace process. He asked the Indian policy makers to be more sincere in their approach not to drag the issue for too long. He said NSCN (IM) has patience but when tested beyond their tolerance its reaction becomes heavy. But the rival NSCN (K) and factions of Naga National Council are sturdily against NSCN (IM)'s terms of negotiations with the Centre. NSCN (K) the main arch-rival said no solution short of sovereignty, but for the NSCN (IM) and the Centre the interpretation of 'sovereignty' is different now. Swu and Muivah had in a clear term told the Centre and the Naga people that Nagalim (Nagaland) cannot survive without India and therefore there has to be special relationship with the Centre. Recently union minister Oscar Fernandes who is leading a ministerial team to the Naga peace talks disclosed that Naga leaders are inching towards accepting the Constitution of India. But NSCN (IM) has rebutted the statement of Fernandes. The UPA government has also assured the Naga MPs that they would review the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) to accelerate Naga talks. According to the CMP it has stated that boundaries of Northeastern states would not be altered, which means there was no question of disintegration of other states to resolve the Naga issue. Meanwhile, it was on this day in 1997, the Centre and the NSCN (IM) signed for ceasefire for 3 months. It was only last year on July 31, at Dimapur that the Centre and the outfit decided to extend truce for an indefinite period subject to progress in the talks. ‘Imposing one’s will, will aggravate situation’ morungexpressDimapur, July 31 (MExN): Referring to the “ban” imposed by the outfit NSCN (IM) on the Sumi Hoho and the Western Sumi Hoho, the Naga Hoho today cautioned, that “banning of organizations or imposition of one’s will upon others will further aggravate the human relationship”. Nevertheless, the Naga Hoho has urged for dialogue to solve the contenting issues. Interestingly, the Naga Hoho also envisaged itself at a place where it shall be at the ‘receiving end of the tussle.’ “… whatever the motive may be, banning of organizations or imposition of one’s will upon others will further aggravate the human relationship and we foresee that the Naga Hoho may be at the receiving end so long the tussle continues between NSCN (IM) and the Sumi apex organizations” the Naga Hoho said in a statement today.Having visualized the future consequences, the Naga Hoho said, an appeal is made to both the parties ‘to sit across the table and thrash out all differences in the spirit of mutual respect and reciprocation without further delay.’ The Naga Hoho is also willing to facilitate with all ways and means that are constructive towards bringing amicable solution between the NSCN (IM) and the Sumis, it added. On a more diplomatic note, the Naga Hoho observed that the decision of the NSCN (IM) ‘might have erupted after going through many odds especially the aftermath of the formation of “Unification group” under the leadership of breakaway group of NSCN (IM) which was very unfortunate for NSCN (IM).’ On the Sumi frontals’ stance, the Naga apex said “…apart from other bone of contentions against the two Sumi organizations as maintained by NSCN (IM), the Naga Hoho have been trying to understand the reason behind the solemn declaration and the stand of the Sumi Hoho – “unification first then solution” which we feel is a direct challenge to the ongoing political dialogue in the highest level.” Nevertheless, the hoho reminded, imposing one’s will upon others or banning organizations will only aggravate the situation, so dialogue be explored.

PRESS RELEASE Issued by: MIP/GPRN - In the backdrop of the ban on Sumi Hoho and Western Sumi Hoho by NSCN, the apex Naga body, Naga Hoho has reacted in a manner without taking into consideration the actual compelling circumstances that led to the unpleasant ending against the two Sumi bodies. Such disastrous turn of event is never the desire of the NSCN. But when some individuals or groups tried to go overboard to impose their wills against the interest of the nation then the matter has to be dealt in befitting manner to drive home the point that sectarian interests should not come in the way of nation's interest.NSCN, as the people's mandated body will never stoop that low to impose its will against the people. This is not what NSCN believed and practiced. Collectives opinions are always sought to strengthen the struggle, and that has been the NSCN's source of strength to take the movement this far.Naga Hoho, while pursuing on the course keeping guard the interest of the Nagas cannot also impose its will on the people to come in direct collision with the nation's principle. As much as the Naga Hoho is for the good of the Nagas, NSCN's action cannot be faulted because the overall interest of the nation is supreme. And that has been the guiding principle behind NSCN's search for solution of its problem with India.There is no room or reason to cause any misunderstanding. But when the Sumi's leadership under SH/WSH acted in belligerent manner to force its way through, a stopgap measure has to be imposed.Global Baptist Youths converge in Germany BWA Morung Members of the OTS delegation in performance during a segment of the 15th Baptist Youth World Conference in Germany. Washington, D.C. : More than 15,000 youths from nearly 90 countries gathered in the Leipzig Congress Center in eastern Germany for the opening session of the 15th Baptist Youth World Conference. More than 20 Naga delegates are attending out of whom the 15 member Oriental Theological Seminary choir has performed to the delight of the International Baptist community. The conference, which began Wednesday, July 30, is the largest global gathering of Baptist youth, and is a celebration event that includes worship, fellowship, cultural exchanges, networking, evangelism and mission.Opening night, which culminated with an address by Aaron George, a pastor and former youth director from the Caribbean island of Grenada, was a lesson in German history, depicted by a mime, a string quartet, singers, video and narration. Emotional moments in the history of the German nation – the reign of the Third Reich and the fall of the Berlin Wall – as well as Germany’s rich history in religion (Protestant reformer Martin Luther and Baptist pioneer Johann Gerhard Oncken) and music (Johann Sebastian Bach and Robert Schumann), were highlighted.Greetings and welcome to the large gathering were brought by Baptist World Alliance (BWA) General Secretary Neville Callam, German Baptist Union General Secretary Regina Claas, BWA Youth Director Emmett Dunn, and mayor of the city of Leipzig, Burkhard Jung.A “Global Village” opened on Wednesday afternoon and will run the length of the conference. The village comprises four main areas, including the Global Exchange where participants may exchange information, discuss personal faith, and engage in theological sharing. There will also be discussions on social issues such as persecution of Christians and HIV/AIDS.Global Prayer offers a garden tent for personal reflection. Described as “an oasis,” the garden tent will allow persons “to find time for yourself, to concentrate, to savor the peace, to get your thoughts in order to pray.” The Global Sports and Funpark within the village allows youth to fellowship with persons from other countries as they participate in light sport and recreational activities such as volleyball, soccer, and basketball.Youth will have an opportunity to reach out to communities in Leipzig, an eastern German city that is home to half a million people. On Saturday afternoon, conference participants will minister through music and arts in five locations around the city, followed by a large worship celebration in Leipzig’s city square. The Baptist Youth World Conference is a global event planned by the BWA and is held every five years.

Wangyuh ‘whole-heartedly’ accepts expulsion from NPF morungexpressDIMAPUR, AUGUST 1 (MExN): Following his expulsion from the NPF party for six years for voting for the UPA Government in the recent trust motion, Nagaland Lok Sabha MP, Wangyuh Konyak said that he “whole-heartedly” accepts his expulsionThe MP claimed in a press note that that he had joined the NPF ‘on the request of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and former finance minister, K. Therie’ and added that their request to him had been “to work for together and strengthen the government”. ‘Gave issue-based support to UPA as directed’Moreover, the MP even claimed that in 2004 Lok Sabha election, he was “forcibly sent to Parliament without my consent”. Wangyuh said his party was aware of his not approaching any party leader or worker for the Lok Sabha party ticket and maintained that the reason was very clear that the party ‘did not want him in the state politics.’ However, the Lok Sabha MP conveyed appreciation to Rio and his colleagues for ‘putting him in the present position though it had been against his wishes and that of voters in 45 Tehok Assembly.’ Wangyuh also furnished details of a letter written to him by the NPF party on May 5, 2005. The subject of the letter was the clarification of the NPF’s party position on Lok Sabha. The letter written by NPF president, Dr. Shurhozelie stated that NPF is a state recognized political party in Nagaland and it is neither affiliated to UPA or the NDA at the Centre. “Therefore, you belong to ‘other parties at the Centre’” the letter stated adding that the MP could however, extend issue based support to any group or party in the Parliament in the interest of the nation and your state “in consultation with the party.” With such an order, Wangyuh says that he had been put in “political jail” because of which he never enjoyed meeting any political party leader and ‘there was no political party called “Other Party at the Centre.”’ Pointing out that even in his expulsion, the NPF was still claiming to give issue-based support to UPA Government, Wangyuh wondered as to how, from where and through whom, the NPF would continue to give issue based support. ‘As admitted by the NPF president to have directed the party’s MPs to give issue-based support, Wangyuh claimed that he had given a single vote during the No Confidence Motion for which the NPF has expelled him from the party.’Though he is no longer in the NPF, the MP sought to convey his gratitude to Chief Minister Rio, his Cabinet colleagues, NPF office bearers and DAN Government partners. He also sought the “forgiveness of the people” of Nagaland, especially the future generation for “any mistake” on his part. He thanks ‘his well wishers’. Reiterating happy acceptance of his expulsion from the party, Wangyuh assured to “serve the people” in his own terms and prayed for God to bless NPF and BJP leaders to serve the Naga people in the days to come.

NSCN factions clash at Pukhato By Staff Reporter | Dimapur31/07/2008 Rival cadres of the two NSCN factions exchanged intermittent fire for around forty minutes from 3 p.m. at Pukhato village, some eight kilometers away from Kuhuboto town Thursday, though there was no report of casualty on any side. Talking to this Reporter, Village council chairman of Pukhato village said that NSCN (I-M) activists numbering some thirty five, had entered the village at around 8 a.m and were having their dinner at around 3 p.m, when, all of a sudden, some activists of ‘GPRN/NSCN’ entered the village. According to police sources, more than hundred ‘GPRN/NSCN’ activists entered Pukhato village. The Pukhato village council chairman said the NSCN (I-M) activists, numbering thirty five, resorted to firing. However, it could not be verified how the firing started or stopped, forty minutes later. He said that during the exchange of fire, around ten houses were damaged including the windowpanes of a church building, the pastor’s residence, village rest house and CGI sheets of several villagers. By the time police and AR personnel reached Pukhato village, the ‘GPRN/NSCN’ faction had already left the village while the NSCN (I-M) faction stayed on. AR company commander of Nihokhu post, Major Ashwini and SDPO, Niuland Khalo who had earlier convened a dialogue with the commander of NSCN (I-M) told this reporter that the NSCN (I-M) activists had assured they would leave the village Friday morning after lunch. Major Ashwini, when asked about Thursday’s clash said factions should not make villages or towns as battleground and should stay away from such places.Meanwhile, condemning the factional clash at Pukhato village under Kuhuboto sub-division, the Kuhuboto Area Students’ Union (KASU) has appealed to both NSCN factions to restrain themselves from creating war-like situation in civilian populated areas. KASU in a press release issued by its president Shikato A Swu and vice president Hetoi Awomi said such clashes were hampering the activities of public and students in particular.Calling upon “national workers” to shun “hypocrisy, egoism and hostility” and to adopt, KASU urged them to instead adopt “love and peace.” NSCNs clash again morungexpressDimapur, August 1 (MExN): There was one casualty in a gun battle between the NSCN factions at Kuhuboto area, under Niuland this evening at around 4 pm. The slain cadre is said to be one “sgt maj’ Z Viketo Achumi of “NSCN/GPRN,” hailing from Litsami village in Zunheboto. It is learnt that his mortal remains have been brought to Kuhuboto town, and the Kuhuboto Town Council will take care of the burial. The situation in Kuhuboto area is said to be tense but under control. According to the president of Kuhuboto Ghukhu (Area) Public Organisation Kakiye Zhimomi, the firing started at 3:30 pm at Nito Farm which is adjacent to Kuhuboto. The public and the 11th IRB personnel stationed at Kuhuboto tried to intervene in the gun battle but they were prevented by the NSCN (IM) cadres, so they stayed around 100 meters away from the farm, Kakiye informed. The Assam Rifles, ADC Niuland, SDPO Niuland also arrived at the spot, but they were also prevented by the NSCN (IM) cadres from intervening in the gun battle. There were more than 70 NSCN (IM) cadres, Kakiye informed. The gun battle lasted for nearly three hours. Police also confirmed the death of the “NSCN/GPRN” cadre. There were reports of more deaths, which could not be confirmed or ascertained. Meanwhile, KGPO president, Kakiye Zhimomi has appealed to the underground cadres not to exchange fire or fight in civilian-populated areas. He also appealed that the cadres should not prevent the public and the security forces from securing the lives of innocent public members, like old folks, children and women who get trapped in such battles. FGN gives reason on bloodshed morungexpressDimapur, August 1 (MExN): The FGN today said that the bloodshed in the Naga homeland is due to “patronage of a particular faction against the other” and the “permission” to underground cadres to possess arms by the Government of India. A note from a “deputy secretary” of the FGN’s “ministry of rali wali”, one Suluneyi Vero stated: “The two main reasons behind unabated killing in our land today are stated here for the people to ponder: Patronage of a particular faction against the other(s). Ceasefire with Government of India has given permission to possession of arms by cadres. This serves the very purpose of the enemy as it has facilitated unabated killing amongst brothers.”The FGN said that the first Chiangmai (Thailand) meeting gave a ray of hope towards cessation of hostilities but “the hope of the people was betrayed as loss of lives and arrest of even participants of the Chingmai meet ensued.” The lives of eleven “Naga army” cadres fell right after the meeting and V Nagi (NNC general secretary), a participant at the Chingmai meeting, was “arrested and kept hostage resulting into intervention by civil societies” it stated. Further, the FGN stated, the second Chiangmai meeting “turned out to be a mockery of the very purpose of reconciliation and cessation of hostilities.” Even as joint statement was issued for the people, “Vihokhu camp was on fire; life attempt on a participant (at the 2nd Chingmai Meet) have reflected total lack of regard and sincerity towards other groups and leaders” the FGN stated added that one K Pushuo Khiamniungan, “chaplee kilonser” of the FGN “had a providential escape on his life bid on 29th July 2008 by cadres of NSCN (IM).”While the FGN had participated in the Chiangmai meetings “with the hope that all groups have equal sincerity and commitment,” the turn of incidents as above have demonstrated futility of the entire exercise and subdued genuine intention, it added. ‘Peace is from one’s heart’ Our Correspondent MorungKohima | August 1 : “Peace doesn’t come from outside but from our inner heart, let us have it in our inner heart so that peace will be spread from Nagaland” said state parliamentary secretary for CAWD T Torechu while making an ardent call for peace in the state.“We talk so much of good things in the church but we do something different outside”, he lamented and called for ‘possessing peace in one’s own inner heart.’ According to him, ‘if we talk so much and doesn’t work, it is difficult to achieve anything’. The parliamentary secretary was addressing the 36th foundation day of Puliebadze club foundation day-inauguration of the club’s new Library building at Jotsoma village today.Referring to the club’s motto “Service and Sacrifice” and the long history of 36 years which perhaps is one of the oldest surviving clubs in the state, Torechu expressed hope that the club would serve as an example.He also lauded Jotsoma village for the successful implementation of the total ban on sale of alcohol and tobacco products in the village’s jurisdiction for the past several years. He termed the development as an example of change which will help the Naga society in the long run. “Let’s collectively work together for the betterment of the Naga as a whole”, he added. Earlier, Torechu inaugurated the club’s library building which was constructed with financial assistance from the State Art and Culture department. He lauded the club in its long endeavor in the field of education, culture and social as well as efforts towards conservation. He also hoped that the club and its library will serve not only Jotsoma village but also the entire Nagas. Students from different parts of the state are studying in Kohima Science College, Jotsoma he said and urged the club to invite students to visit the library ‘so that it can be an exemplary for everyone to learn,’ Torechu added. Parliamentary secretaries S Heno and R Tohanba accompanied the chief guest Convener of the club’s building committee Pelevito Nakhro presented a preface on the history of the club and how it had initiated efforts for the library. He said that the club had established the existing library in a private house in 1982 through assistance from Ram Mohan Roy foundation. The club then acquired the existing plot of land for the library in the subsequent year but could not construct the building due to financial constraints. The library has been now turned into children’s library. He also briefed on the original plan of the club to construct a two-storey building to house the library as well as the club’s office and a conference hall.

Villagers trade fire over land disputeMon, JUL30 [NPN] : The standoff between Longching village under Mon district and Pongo village under Longleng district over land dispute came to a head, Tuesday as both sides resorted to blank firing, though there was no report of any casualty or injury on either side.

Sources said on Tuesday, Longching villagers (Konyak) numbering around one thousand, some with arms, went to rebuilt two bridges, which was reportedly destroyed by Pongo villagers (Phom), when they were challenged by five persons in camouflage and carrying sophisticated weapons. Exchange of fire between the two sides started around 6:30 a.m and lasted till 3p.m, sources said. It was reported that a company of 6th NAP sent from Mon to control the situation, reached Longching town on July 27, but instead of camping in the disputed area, the NAP personnel stayed put at Longching town.

Villagers alleged that the NAP personnel and EAC Longching reached the disputed area only on Tuesday and that too after the firing incident. The villagers said the clash could have been averted had the NAP personnel camped at the disputed area in advance. The genesis of the stand off started with a land dispute between the two villages and according to sources, Pongo villagers allegedly destroyed two bridges, which not only served as link between the two villages but also some paddy fields belonging to Longching villagers lying on the other side of the bridges.

On July 24, Longching villagers also claimed t hat their paddy fields were destroyed by Pongo villagers. Earlier, the apex tribal bodies of the two tribes- Phom People’s Council (PPC) and Konyak Union (KU)- met at Kohima and decided to convene a joint meeting on July 26 at Sheangphan on the bank of Yangmon river, to amicably resolve the issue. But Pongo villagers refused to attend the meeting citing transportation problem and road condition.

The meeting was then postponed to July 28 to be held at Sibsagar, Assam, but this time Longching villagers refused to attend saying that the meeting should be held within Nagaland and not in Assam. However, sources said the meeting has been re-scheduled on August 5 at Sibsagar, to be attended by DCs and SPs of Mon and Longleng districts, KU, PPC and representatives from both the warring villages. Meanwhile, the Konyak Student’s Union (KSU) has expressed unhappiness over the incident and requested both parties to resolve the “misunderstanding in a peaceful manner as it is a family matter,” and that both the tribes were under the banner of ENPO and ENSF. Sonowal Kachari organizations demand formation of village councils From our Staff Reporter SentinelDIBRUGARH, July 31: Several Sonowal Kachari organizations have approached the Chief Minister over the formation of village councils in the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council. They also submitted the list of the 71 councils, which will cover 451 villages, to be formed to the Minister for the Plains Tribes and Backward Classes and Agriculture, Pramila Rani Brahma. Each village councils will be formed for a population of 3000 to 5000. In a joint statement to the press, the All Assam Sonowal Kachari Students’ Union, Sonowal Kachari Yuba Parishad, Sonowal Kachari Jatiya Parishad and Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council Demand Committee stated that they had urged upon the Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, to form interim councils of the village councils. They further stated that they also requested him to issue the departmental order to form the same. The organizations also submitted a memorandum of demands to the Chief Minister. Their demands include the holding of elections in the Autonomous Council, empowering the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council to provide pattas for land under its area, increase in the fund under the council’s plan and non plan heads, inclusion of 149 villages in the council and construction of Sonowal Kachari Bhawan at Guwahati. The organizations have also stated that a person of their community should be made a member of the Board of Directors for the Gas Cracker Project coming up at Lepetkatta. They further demanded that the Chief Minister should fulfill the promises made by him at Dibrugarh in 2004. While participating in the celebration of the Raising Day of the Sonowal Kachari Yuba Parishad on March 11, 2004, Tarun Gogoi had promised to establish a seat in the name of the cultural and religious leader, Gojai Guru, at Dibrugarh University, to build a stadium at Tengakhat which was to be named after the former Chief Minister of Assam, Jogendranath Hazarika, and to construct a Baithou cultural project at Dangori Borpathar in Tinsukia district.